Homeschooling: What We Did Before COVID & Things You Can Do

Some people fear that homeschooling has to be extremely rigid or they fear being unprepared without a year long curriculum for teaching at home. This could not be further from the truth! Inspiration is all around us, we just have to know where to look.

Without thinking too hard or too in-depth, simply take a subject, brainstorm an age-appropriate list, and get to work gathering the materials.

Follow these examples, then create your own lists, depending on where your child’s interests are at the moment because one of the best parts about homeschooling is the spontaneity of it all.

History

• Visit a museum or historical re-enactment (virtually)
• Watch a documentary or movie based on a true story
• Put a map puzzle together or play a geography board game
• Research a topic about “This Day in History” by picking a random year and stating what you find

Math

• Cook your favorite gluten-free recipe (together)
• Draw a chart by hand, measuring some weather elements or the plants in the garden
• Learn to knit or make beaded bracelets
• Play a new card game
• Become a human calculator and add up the total of your items in the grocery cart or in your Amazon purchase, before looking at your cart total

Science

• Listen to a nature podcast
• Get outside and collect/release insects – drawing and identifying them
• Explore a science-themed app
• Visit an aquarium or an animal rehabilitation center (virtually)
• Conduct your own science experiment
• Bake or cook with your kids
• Grow a garden

Art

• Use a paint by number kit
• Visit an art museum or local exhibit (virtually)
• Tour an artist’s studio (virtually)
• Watch videos to learn about different crafts
• Draw with chalk on the sidewalk

Kids are learning in their own way each and every day, the stimulus provided is part of the teaching responsibility taken on by the parent or caregiver. Don’t be afraid to get outside your comfort zone by asking questions or asking for help if you don’t know much about a subject. Look around and find someone who is willing to teach. You never know until you ask!

There are tons of parents who have been homeschooling before it became mandatory. If you need help, everyone will be more than happy to be there for you. Remember we are all in this together, so ask any questions you have and we will get you answer. How is your homeschooling plans going? Is your school doing a successful job with providing virtual options for learning? Are you looking for more out of the box homeschooling activities? Please connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, agape, be kind, and happy parenting.