It’s officially get outside, take a fieldtrip, homeschool-anywhere-but home season! I have some tips & a wonderful new fieldtrip journal to help you enjoy for summer!

The year’s studies are coming to can end and the weather is warming. It’s time to get out of the house and enjoy time with your kids! Here are some helpful tips as you venture out and enjoy wonderful adventures as a homeschool family.

Tips for easier adventuring:

– Keep a calendar & prepare the kids. Kids handle situations better when they know what to expect. Keep a calendar that shows important dates and fun outings. Check the calendar daily and let kids know what they can expect for the days ahead. Be sure to discuss anything unique about these trips, including the travel time, activities, safety rules, and crowd levels. Kids handle new experiences better when they have an idea of what to expect.

– Don’t overcomplicate your adventures. There are plenty of options for families to enjoy. Look into parks, playgrounds, nature centers, kid-friendly hikes, library events, and community events. Before heading to a paid experience, check for admission discounts or special homeschool days. Some libraries even have free or discounted passes to local museum! Each field trip doesn’t need to cost a ton. Yes, your kids would probably love the sparkly new children’s museum in the city, but don’t underestimate the fun they may have on STEM day at the library!

– Keep adventure essentials in the car. Buy and fill a trunk organizer. Use it to store a first aid kit, raincoats, sunscreen, bug spray, and a change of clothes. Don’t forget a change of clothes for yourself, too! Having these items on hand will help you be more spontaneous. You can trust that even if the weather turns, a kid takes a tumble, or someone has an unexpected mess, your outing isn’t ruined!

– Pack snacks, drinks, and/or meals. As much as we love nuggets and waffle fries, buying Chick-fil-a for the fam is not cheap. If you think you might be out around a mealtime, just pack a lunch. You can adventure more if your cost-per-outing is lower! This will also help you avoid unnecessary bouts of hangriness!

– Go with friends! Ask your homeschool friends if they’re going anywhere cool and see if you can tag along. Adventures are more fun with friends! You can even join a homeschool fieldtrip group. Check Facebook for a local homeschool fieldtrip group in your community. Some groups post weekly or monthly activities and all you have to do is RSVP and show up!

– Keep a school tote. Invest in a nice sturdy bag that is roomy enough for books and school supplies. Keep it on-the-ready so you can toss in whatever you need for the day’s learning and leave. Who says you can’t do school at the park or grandma’s house for a change of scenery?

& Last but not least, here is our NEW Resource for Homeschool Families!

In completing the field trip journal, your kids will:

• Answer reflective writing prompts
• Share what they’ve learned
• Cultivate a habit of reflection
• Practice writing locations, dates, and sentences
• Spark creativity
• Enjoy space for sharing their personal thoughts and opinions

The fieldtrip journal is a wonderful companion for a homeschool parent that wants to boost the educational nature of outings, field trips, and summer travels. It is perfect to use with your annual homeschool evaluations, as it provides a space for structured reflection. What’s more, it’s specifically crafted to support parents who homeschool multiple children!

Check out the download on Teachers Pay Teachers. It’s on sale now for only $3!

Happy adventuring!

Field Trip Journal: Field Trip Reflection | Writing Prompts | Summer Travel