Mike Smith:
Are you the kind of homeschooling parent who tries to turn everything into a teachable moment? For you, a vacation is just a glorified field trip. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that approach! Summer vacations are a great way to have fun and learn at the same time.

Your children can learn valuable life skills while you travel. Let them research hotels online and use a map to plan your route. They can also keep track of the travel budget and make decisions about your itinerary.

Or, use your vacation to study a particular subject, such as West Coast wildlife or Civil War battlefields. This can mean planning a full-fledged unit study around your trip, or supplementing with just a few educational activities.

In the weeks leading up to your trip, research the subject and decide what sites you’d like to tour. Perhaps you could read some related historical fiction or plan to attend a local festival. Save up for a special activity such as dinner in Little Italy. And have your children use a travel journal or camera to document what they learn.

As you plan your summer homeschooling, remind yourself that flexibility is key. Whether it’s a library reading program or a road trip, be willing to adjust your plans, pursue rabbit trails, and let your children take initiative. Real learning will take place when you least expect it. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.