Homeschool Does Not Always Have to be at Home

     I don't know how many times my kids or myself have been asked do you like just sitting at home all day, everyday?  Really people, I could ask your child the same thing, about sitting in a classroom all day.  Ok, first off yes we mostly do school in our home, but we also have the freedom to take our learning and even our book work on the road.  We also don't do all of our work at desks or tables. 
   
     For example last week my 12 year old (7th grader) was able to go with our aunt to our church's car care.  He was able to help one of the pastors change the breaks on her van.  He was able to work along side a man that was teaching him a very valuable life skill.  He has been able to help with our car care ministry before.  Most of the time it is getting tools and putting things away, but some times he get hands on lesson.  Any work he does is double checked by the adult in charge that day.  It has sparked an interest for him, he has been talking about looking into going to school for auto maniacs.  in the coming months and as he gets older he hope to help more with that ministry.

     In the past we have taken our books to a park just to get some fresh air and when school work was done they could run and play.  We try to go on a variety of field trips with our kids.  Any were from the zoo to art museums.  All learning does not have to be book learning.  Many times I take the kids with me to grocery shop, this helps teach them about budget, menus, nutrition labels, price comparison, and so much more.  A nature hike can be just as informative, if not more, as reading a book about nature.

     So please if you are thinking about homeschooling or if you are new to it, please don't think you have to be stuck in the house all day, everyday.  I also did not talk about co-op classes or extra curricular actives you can do with your homeschoolers.  We don't personal do co-ops, but many of our friends do.  Our boys are in Boy Scouts and our daughter is in American Heritage Girls.  Our church also has a homeschool group that gets together a couple times a year for holiday parties, field trips, and track and field day. There are so many ways to homeschool and there is not really a wrong way.  As long as your children are learning and exploring you are doing great.

     If you homeschool already can you tell us some ways to break routine and get your kiddos out of the house during the school year.  If you don't homeschool but are thinking about it please ask questions and I will try and answer them.