Homeschooling on the Road – All you Need to Get Going!

Homeschooling on the Road — All you Need to Get Going!

Homeschooling on the road is often called “roadschooling” or “Travel Schooling.” And it is a subset of homeschooling that takes place while traveling. The biggest perk of roadschooling is that it allows kids to travel and get real-life experiences of what they read in books. Roadschooling is also a fun way to bond with your kids and learn more about their interests and how to help them grow.

Our Roadschooling Journey

I have always been an unintentional roadschooler, long before we officially homeschooled. I always included educational experiences as we traveled or went on our local “adventures.” However, I vividly remember my first TRUE roadschooling trip with my friend and her kids as we spent almost a week Roadschooling in Lancaster, PA, and Roadschooling our way through Philly.

This is why I have decided to share the ten essential things you need to get going on your roadschooling experience.

10 Important Things You’ll Need To Start Homeschooling on the Road With Your Kids

Remember that roadschooling should be every bit as fun as it is educative. So, you’ll need items that would bring a bit of joy and also learning to your kid’s education. Here is a list of the top ten things you’ll need on your roadschool journey:

1. The Right Type Of Roadschool Curriculum

The first and most important thing that you need is a roadschool curriculum. There are many types of curricula and styles of homeschooling; entirely online, completely boxed but using tangible curriculum books, or piecemeal together workbook curriculum, which is the route we take. You should consider your child’s interests and capabilities to decide on which type of curriculum would suit them best. You can check out our curriculum choices HERE.

Completely Online Roadschool Curriculum

A completely online roadschool curriculum involves internet-based and online roadschool programs to aid the kids learning on the road. There are different online programs designed specially to assist home and roadschoolers. Miacademy is one such program.

Miacademy, an online learning program that teaches your child with demonstration videos and quizzes and includes writing and art! Time4learning and Acellus Academy are also worth mentioning. Acellus Academy is specially made for kids with learning difficulties, and Time4learning is a very flexible online learning program that allows you to fix when and how your child learns.

Completely Boxed or Workbook Curriculum

Completely boxed programs involve using workbooks and other hands-on items to homeschool your kids. Unlike completely online curricula, boxed programs are more physical than virtual but you are purchasing a program that covers all the subjects and can often be considered “open and go”. The good and the beautiful learning program is an excellent boxed option that is easy to use. But know, It’s a faith-based learning program.

As previously mentioned, you can always make your own curriculum using materials from different workbooks, resources, and materials. You might want to consider how much space a tangible, boxed curriculum takes up – if you are in tight courters it might be something to think about.

2. Learning Apps

Learning apps are a great resource while homeschooling on the road. These apps include curriculum-based kid-friendly games, audio, language programs, and the like. These learning apps help to supplement your child’s roadschool experience, and you should use apps that complement your child’s learning ability.

The apps should also be tailored to fit the topics or subjects that your child is working on. For instance, if your child is learning math, you can use math-based games like Prodigy to supplement their learning.

3. A Laptop

You will most likely need a laptop or computer. If you can afford it, consider getting a dedicated laptop for the kids and/or an iPad for each person. This way, the computer can be configured with apps and programs tailored to your child’s learning needs. While these devices aid your child’s roadschooling, they can also constitute a distraction if you don’t regulate their usage.

Laptops are beneficial when roadschooling, especially when using an online roadschool curriculum. Asides from aiding learning, laptops are also a great source of entertainment for the entire family when on the road.

4. Workbooks

Workbooks allow your kids to practice and remember what they have learned. It also helps them develop strong skills like following written instructions and interpreting ideas and concepts.

We do minimal bookwork curriculum in general while homeschooling on the road – This fits our adventurous lifestyle since we are not tied down to too many classes or long curriculum days. My daughters prefer to learn through real-life experiences, making roadschooling a breeze and giving me a good reason to keep traveling!

5. Reading Apps

Reading apps help to develop your child’s language fluency. These apps include audio and online books, podcasts, and magazines available for children of different ages. My daughters and I use iPads as tablets when we want to read, and we enjoy using Scribd.

Scribd is an online library with hundreds of online books and audio texts across different fields for kids and parents to enjoy anywhere and anytime.

6. Combo Books

Combo books are exactly what they sound like. They contain many stories and can be about any topic or area. Fairytales stories, short stories, educative stories, pictures, tests, and answers are all in combo books. Combo books are also an excellent way for your kids to learn about different stories, cultures, and places. When roadschooling, I let my daughters take a combo book each.

7. Art Supplies

It’s also a great idea to bring art supplies along on your roadschooling journey. My girls love to channel their inner artists, especially after visiting a new place. So, we bring pencils, sketchbooks, erasers, gel pens, art pens, sharpies, and paint in our art bin.

Painting is also an excellent way to improve the child’s brain as it helps them become more creative and develop ideas.

8. Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes are a must-have while roadschooling. These boxes contain several gifts and items ranging from play toys to replica tools and lots more. It’s the perfect way to build your child’s interest in a particular field or make them take an interest in a new area. Opening a new subscription box gets my daughters excited as they can’t wait to unveil the treasures and gifts in the box.

Several subscription boxes come in different types of themes for kids of all ages. Our personal favorite is the Kiwi crate.

9. Emergency Supplies

It would be best if you didn’t attempt to roadschool without getting emergency supplies, especially a first aid kit. It’s better to have these things and not need them than need them and not have them.

10. Learning Games

Something to consider, taking along learning games such as a deck of cards, and board games like sudoku, Scrabble, UNO, and the like would come in handy too. All these games can be used to explain and demonstrate figures while learning.

7 Expert Tips Every Roadschooling Parent Should Know

1. You can hire local tour guides to show your family exciting places, sights, and cultures when you visit new sites. This way, you get to learn from the experts.
2. Roadschool isn’t all about reading and working – Roadschool is a rich blend of fun, education, and travel. Your kids will get bored if you make it all bookwork.
3. Take along a map when roadschooling, especially if you’ll be traveling interstate. You should also map out essential locations like gas stations, supermarkets, and hospitals along your route.
4. Find out your state and regional laws and guidelines about travel homeschooling before embarking on it, so you know what you need to provide to the state even if you are on the road.
5. You should get 2-3 internet options for the road. Check out this article to know the best internet options for you.
6. Include as much travel and sightseeing as possible–experts believe kids learn more through imagery and hands-on experiences. My daughters and I take trips very often, usually to places we have read, seen a show, or watched a youtube video. These help them to remember when they can see what they are reading.
7. Make plans with the kids – don’t leave your kids out when planning their schedule. If it’s a collaborative effort, they’ll be as interested in it as you are, and it teaches them planning skills too!

Final Words

In summary, homeschooling on the road isn’t as difficult as you may think. You are good to go as long as you have the necessary supplies and tools for the road. Though you may find it challenging at the beginning, it will get better along the way, and soon, your family will get used to learning while traveling.

Remember to allow your child’s interests to be the focus while planning the itinerary and when packing items for the road. This way, they will enjoy the experience and learn better. Finally, ensure good internet options in the RV or Van, especially if you use an online learning curriculum.

So, there you have it. Now you know everything you need to start your roadschool experience with your kids. For more helpful homeschool tips like this, check out other posts on this website. Have a wonderful roadschool experience.