Yes, a bit unconventional but totally worth it for many RV travelers and homeschool explorers!
Virtual schooling, also coined “Roadschooling,” is increasing in popularity this year. One reason is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many schools across the U.S. to shut their doors. However, homeschooling has been in style for decades. The term roadschooling ventures into a whole new territory. Roadschooling was born from virtual schooling and homeschooling when traveling in an RV mobile home. Below are the do’s and don’ts of roadschooling to get you started on your incredible journey into the open-minded world of learning on the road.
Do
Give it a try! Approximately 2 million people in the U.S. are homeschooled. With the recent school closures due to COVID-19, teachers and professors are turning to virtual classrooms to educate their students.The only difference is you and your family will be on the road for your studies.
Don't
Be too close-minded. We know it seems a little “granola” for some. But it isn’t as hippy dippy as you might think. Some people have a harder time focusing in large groups and for 8 hour school days in a confined space. Plus, you and your children get to see the country while learning. Imagine learning about the Grand Canyon as you view it from your RV window.
Do
Ensure you have a good wifi hookup. If you are planning on doing virtual classrooms taught by a teacher or a professor, you want to be sure your internet connection is reliable. There are resources that enable wifi connection even in remote locations. We recommend virtual learning from pre-recorded lessons, as time zone changes can affect the time the lesson will be taught.
Don’t
Rely entirely on wifi hookups from places like motels, public libraries and fast food chains. You can use them as a backup. But you never know if their wifi is functioning properly or if you are getting the best signal possible. Nothing is more frustrating than a lagging video or internet connection when you are trying to learn or educate!
Do
Have a reliable wifi connection, laptop, compact printer, and e-reader. This will make roadschooling a smooth, stress-free process.
Don’t
Skimp on the necessary supplies. If you are worried about storing print-outs and books, you can always leave them with family members, friends or pack them away in dinette benches, in compartments overhead or under the bed.
Do
Know the legality of homeschooling in different states. Legality of homeschooling varies from state to state. Texas and Florida are the best states to domicile because of their flexible laws for homeschooling.
Don’t
Create hardship for you and your family by not following the proper procedures and laws in the state where you are registered as your permanent home. This could lead to problems down the road that might require more work on the part of you and your family if not done properly to start.
Do
Practice the three D’s. Discipline, Direction and Determination. Treat your roadschooling the way you would if you were in a classroom for X amount of hours a day. If you get too distracted, you might lose out on your learning for the day.
Don’t
Lose focus! Remember, it takes the three D’s to do roadschooling right. Scenic destinations can help improve cognitive ability by reducing stress. A little relaxation goes a long way, but don’t get too lost in the tranquility of it until your work is done for the day.
Do
Try different styles to know what works best. You can try a more traditional curriculum style. Traditional curriculum style would be 4 days out of the week using lesson plans and travel days for field trips. Interest-led and organic learning style bases the curriculum on the places traveled to, including local attractions, nature destinations and historic sites.
Don’t
Be afraid to experiment with different teaching / learning styles. If one way isn’t working, explore other options to have the best learning experience possible!
Now that you are familiar with the do’s and don’ts of roadschooling, we hope you have a better idea if it’s right for you and your family. As the old saying goes, “there are many ways to build a family.” And this saying applies to learning to! There are many ways to educate yourself and the ones you love. Why not give roadschooling a try!?
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
© 2024 Firebelly Outfitters.
