Considerations to Make When Homeschooling Your Kids on the Road

There are several large lifestyle changes to be made if you choose to take up full-time RVing, especially if you are bringing the children along on your cross-country adventures. Not only do you have to worry about housing and feeding everyone in a limited space, but you also have your children’s education. Basic education is required by law for children up to a certain age, anywhere from 16 to 18 depending on your home state’s laws.

Full-timers with children will have to set up some homeschooling system, RV travel homeschool if you will. Let’s look at homeschooling while on the road, including some of the benefits, drawbacks, and resources for the family.

Starting Your Own RV Homeschooling Program

The good news for parents and children is that homeschooling in an RV doesn’t have to be dramatically different than any other type of schooling. You may have less space to work with compared to a brick-and-mortar home. In a traditional classroom, you could have an entire room dedicated to learning, but this is not feasible in even a large motorhome. RVing offers a unique opportunity for on-the-road education your children will never find in a conventional classroom setting, no matter where in the US you call home.

One of your first challenges will be devoting a space or transforming an area into a temporary classroom setting. Establishing a particular layout or design focused on learning will significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of an on-the-road education.

When it comes to an RV, you may not have the dedicated space you’d like for this. This is where thinking outside the box and utilizing laptops and tablets may prove advantageous.

What Are the Benefits of RV Homeschooling?

Homeschooling on the road provides a unique set of benefits. Life on the road creates a dynamic and creative learning environment where you can cater to a child’s educational experience. For instance, you may conduct a lesson on geological activity while visiting Yellowstone National Park or explore the history of the Civil War at the Gettysburg battle site.

This dynamic and hands-on learning approach has been shown to be beneficial to a child’s developing mind. The shifting landscape and non-linear learning environments could potentially keep your child more focused on the task at hand.

The other advantages of RV homeschooling align with some of the same benefits that accompany traditional homeschooling, such as educational freedom, physical and emotional flexibility, the ability to operate on your own schedule, and the possibility to adapt plans as necessary.

Many parents and children who homeschool also report closer ties and stronger relationships compared to those in traditional school settings. Additionally, students who have homeschooled typically outperform traditional students on standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT.

What Are the Drawbacks of RV Homeschooling?

One of the most significant drawbacks of RV homeschooling, aside from the smaller size, relates to one of its primary advantages. Life on the road involves constant change; while this change may be beneficial, stability can also be crucial.

Further drawbacks of RV homeschooling are similar to those associated with homeschooling in general. Developing lesson plans, balancing the roles of both parent and teacher, and striving to become proficient across various subjects can become quite stressful for the parent. Additionally, ensuring that your children maintain a healthy balance of school work and physical activity can be challenging, based on how long you are on the road and your travel destinations. Thus, it is essential to plan outdoor activities when the weather permits based on your RV adventures.

An important aspect of education for children is learning to interact with peers. This social interaction may be limited with homeschooling, particularly on the road. Therefore, when choosing destinations and places to stay, it’s important to consider options that allow your children to engage with other children during your travels.

Embarking on a full-time RV journey and choosing to homeschool your children are major lifestyle shifts that require extensive research and thoughtful consideration. Engaging with other RVers who practice road schooling can provide valuable insights into life on the road while also educating your children.