Carschooling: Turning Drive Time into Learning Time
I often say that we carschooled more than we homeschooled. It sure did feel like we were on the road more than at home some weeks. We’d shuttle to and from co-op, 4-H, Science Olympiad, gymnastics, and more. Sometimes, it was 30 to 45 minutes each way to those activities. So, it became essential to make the most of the drive time.
Simplifying Homeschooling
This can be as simple as using drivetime to engage our children in conversation, to relax and decompress from a busy day, or to pray a family rosary. However, it can also mean using that time to continue our homeschool lessons.
If this is your life, I know it can be challenging. How do you fit in all of your planned lessons around busy schedules? Especially when so much time is spent in the car. But what if I told you that the time spent driving from one place to another could become a valuable part of your homeschool day? Welcome to the wonderful world of carschooling!
Carscholing is simply the practice of turning travel time into educational time. It’s an opportunity to transform the family minivan into a mobile classroom, where learning happens naturally and in a relaxed setting. It’s not about forcing worksheets or quizzes on your kids while they’re buckled into the backseat. Instead, it’s about engaging them in a fun and effortless way while still covering essential topics.
How to Get Started with Carschooling
The beauty of carschooling is that it can be customized to fit your family’s needs and interests. You don’t need to overhaul your curriculum or create a complex system. Simply start with the resources you already have and be creative! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Music: Incorporating classical music, Gregorian chant, and other sacred Catholic pieces can make the car ride a more peaceful experience. It can also be educational. Playing classical music exposes children to great composers and pieces they may not otherwise encounter. You could even tie music into your history lessons by playing pieces from the era that you are currently studying at home. These musical moments can open up discussions about the history and spirituality of each piece in addition to music theory and appreciation.
- Audiobooks: This is my personal favorite for carschooling! Audiobooks are an excellent way to introduce your children to literature, history, and even science. Whether listening to a classic like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or diving into a fascinating historical fiction title, audiobooks keep children engaged and entertained while learning. Check your local library or use apps like Audible or Librivox to find age-appropriate titles for free or cheap.
- Podcasts: There are so many educational podcasts out there that cover everything from science experiments to storytelling. See Catholic Podcasts for Children for a list of specifically Catholic podcasts. One top-rated podcast for younger children is Catholic Sprouts, which offers daily short, engaging saint stories. Podcasts are great because they allow you to discuss what you’re learning afterward, turning it into an interactive experience.
- Math Drills and Trivia Games: If you want something more interactive, consider using your car time to do quick math drills or trivia. We loved playing mental math games in the car! You can also invest in educational card games or use trivia apps to challenge your kids with questions about geography, history, or science.
- Nature Observation: The world outside your window is filled with learning opportunities. Use your car trips to teach children about the natural world. Ask your children questions about different types of trees, birds, or weather patterns. For example, you could ask, “Why do you think the leaves change color in the fall?” or “What kind of bird do you think that is?”
- Apologetics: Incorporating Catholic apologetics into carschooling can be a fun way to deepen your children’s understanding of the faith. One resource that we used was Ascension Press’ Friendly Defenders Flash Cards. You could even introduce some role-playing where one person plays “the Catholic,” and the other plays “the anti-Catholic.” This exercise will really keep you all on your toes!
Flexibility and Fun
Carscholing doesn’t have to follow a rigid schedule. Use it as a time to relax, have conversations, and explore topics that interest you and your children. Whether listening to a book, playing a word game, or just observing the world around you, the goal is to make learning an enjoyable, integrated part of your day.
So, the next time you’re stressed about balancing homeschool lessons with your family’s busy schedule, remember that your car can be one of the most flexible classrooms. Embrace carschooling and make every mile count!
There is so much more that we could all come up with together on this topic. Join me and other homeschooling parents at our Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group to continue the discussion!
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