Engaging Homeschool Activities Inspired by Global Travel
If you’re scrambling to create a homeschool agenda for your kids during this unprecedented time, be sure to carve out some time for travel education. While taking them on an actual trip right now isn’t possible, you can incorporate activities that’ll spark their curiosity about people and places around the world amidst science lessons and algebra equations.
Go on a Virtual Field Trip
Stand atop the Great Wall of China, stroll through the vast galleries inside The Louvre, or discover the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest. Websites like Discovery Education, Kids Activities, and We Are Teachers offer numerous online tours of global museums, national parks, and other noteworthy destinations. Encourage each family member to select a field trip, watch it together, and then share what new information was learned.
Connect with a Pen Pal from Another Country
Although traditional pen pal letters may take time to reach their destination, now there are platforms that allow you to connect with people all over the world instantly. Pen Pal World provides a free daily membership, enabling you to connect with up to three of its more than 2,300,000 members. A VIP membership starts at just $.10 per day and allows you to reach up to 50 members daily.
Explore the Planets Beyond Our Solar System
Navigating the universe is easier than ever with NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration site, allowing you to venture to planets beyond our solar system and visualize their surfaces with 360-degree interactive features. In addition, SLOOH provides live streams from ten telescopes around the globe, including locations in dark skies like the Canary Islands and Chile, along with educational astronomy lessons available on YouTube.
Engage in Activities That Reflect Specific Cultures
The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana is posting instructional videos on Instagram covering archery, campfire cooking, fly casting, and more. Meanwhile, Velas Resorts has launched family-friendly online programming that introduces you to Mexican culture through various fun activities; kids can work on an activity book, create a dreamcatcher, or participate in cooking classes. Additionally, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is sharing cultural experiences such as Thai-inspired cooking and fitness tips.
Teach Personal Finance and Trip Planning Skills
Let your kids take the reins by allowing them to “book” a vacation. Provide them with a budget and helpful online tools such as Google Flights, Hotels.com, Airbnb, and Kayak. Moreover, consider logistics like ground transportation, visa fees, and a daily meal budget. This exercise could provide your family with the framework for a real journey in the future.
Cook a Global Dish Together
Cooking can teach kids about culture and history. Embrace diversity by preparing recipes from countries around the world. Websites such as Global Table Adventure feature a variety of recipes, while subscription services like Eat 2 Explore offer Explorer Boxes that include recipe cards, shopping lists, educational sheets, spice or sauce mixes, and helpful cooking tools.
Create Art and Music Inspired by Global Cultures
Download playlists from around the world or take a virtual museum tour. After the exploration, encourage the kids to paint, draw, or sculpt a piece inspired by an artistic movement. Alternatively, they can use instruments or apps to write a song drawing from the style of various musicians.
