Mike Smith:
What does autumn mean to your student? Whether you live in the city or country, in the middle of New England foliage or in the desert of the Southwest, you can incorporate new traditions into your homeschooling routine to celebrate the coming of autumn.

This year, take time to get out of the house for some field trips. Take advantage of the harvest season to visit a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, or an apple orchard. Your children will revel in the opportunity to pick, prepare, and preserve fall produce. And while you’re at it, explore together the historical traditions of harvesting.

Is your area well-known for a specific crop? If you live in the Midwest, consider taking your children to see a wheat field harvest.

Another great fall activity is the county fair. Visit the fair—or, better yet, enter the fair! Even if your kids haven’t raised “Some Pig” or a prize winning pumpkin, there are probably contest categories they could enter. Many fairs feature contests for domestic arts and crafts, including cooking, baking, needlework, woodworking, quilting, and more.

With options like these for great fall outings, you’re sure to find something that will make a special autumn tradition for your family. Next time we’ll explore more fall activities—and until then, I’m Mike Smith.