The family vacation, a trip to a new town, a visit to grandma, or any other form of travel can be easily converted into a teaching tool for your children. While it is a good way for homeschooling parents to add supplementary lessons, travel can be used just as effectively by parents of children who attend regular school. Here are the things that you can teach them.
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Map Reading for Geography
There is a destination and there is a departure point. Have them understand how the travel will unfold on the map. You can describe the physical terrain of the map including rivers and mountains that may be crossed. It will help them to understand the geological features that they will pass.
Route Mapping for Geometry
Teach them to plot the easiest route from place A to place B. They will use the principles of geometry to find the shortest route between the two spots. Also tell them why sometimes the shortest route may not be the best one to take. Traffic, scenery and physical condition of the road may be such factors influencing this decision.
Calculating ETA for Arithmetic
Instead of letting them ask, “Are we there yet?” involve them in calculating just how long it would take the car to reach the destination. Here you can explain the concept of speed of the vehicles, miles covered per hour, total distance that needs to be traveled and then teach them how to make the calculation for the estimated time of arrival.
Museum visits for History
Once you get to the place you can hit popular tourist spots which explain the culture of the region. A local museum would be a good way to explain the history of the town and region to the children. Preserved artifacts actually used by people of a bygone era will help them understand history much better.
Wildlife park for Geology
Pick up the rocks and stones in the wildlife park when you trek through it (make sure you’re in an area where it’s acceptable to do this first). Once you come home you can wash up the dirt and see what kinds of stones you have collected. Sedimentation and related concepts can be explained.
So as you can tell, taking a trip out of town can become a great teaching tool if you just organize the material, and your approach, accordingly.
Article Inspiration: About Homeschooling
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