Homeschooling affords us more opportunities than we realize when educating our children. In a school setting, there are so many logistics to be considered when allowing children to learn hands-on. Even visiting an educational environment, the learning is restricted to a brick and mortar school building. However, as homeschoolers, we are able to educate our children outside of the brick and mortar mentality. Peppering your homeschool days with field trips is important for a unique and entertainment filled learning experience.
5 Reasons Why Field Trips are Important for Homeschoolers
Socialization
Before you roll your eyes, I’m not talking about the kind of socialization that the world harps on when it comes to homeschoolers. No need to keep a child in a classroom of 25 same aged peers for socialization. Having exposure to people of differing backgrounds, education levels, cultures, ages, and ideas is the socialization I’m referring to. When you go to a robotics company you might see varying cultures represented as well as ages and sexes and your child may well interact with all of them.
Practical Application
We can teach all day on the industrialization movement but until your children have the first-hand ability to see machinery at work. Something as simple as learning how machines save us hours of work becomes reality when they see it in person.
Breaking Monotony
Without something new and different thrown in every now and then, a school day can become monotonous. A good concert, a trip to the museum, a visit to your local zoo, are all things that can help re-ignite the spark of learning.
Increased Knowledge
It is one thing to learn about schools of tropical fish and saltwater sharks from a book, it is an entirely different level of knowledge that occurs when you can see the sharks being fed and feel their sandpapery skin at an aquarium. When presented in a unique way, learning becomes more interesting and real.
Increased Interest-led learning
When your child can see that their interest in electronics has a real world application this increases the desire to further learn. An interested child will start learning and searching out information without prodding. Your 11-year-old might be able to spout off random facts for hours about his or her latest passion.
Allowing our children to learn from not only books but also experiences, is part of what makes homeschooling so amazing. We don’t have to concern ourselves with the logistics of bus drivers’ schedules, permission slips, and state regulations; we simply need to integrate worldwide learning in our educational pursuit.
Banish Boredom!
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Michelle says
Field trips are what I miss most now that my homeschooling years are over. I really enjoyed going places and learning new things right along with the kids.
Sara Elizabeth Dunn says
We’ve homeschooled for years, and we only started incorporating them this year. They’re such a great learning tool and have introduced my children to new occupations as well. 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting.
Sherry says
Yes, I love field trips! So important! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
Sara Elizabeth Dunn says
Thanks, Sherry. 🙂 It’s so important to make time for these fun outings. 🙂 Have a great week ahead.