How to Take a Travel Gap Year With Your Kids
Taking a travel gap year with your kids is a fantastic way to create lifelong memories, expose them to different cultures, and foster their sense of adventure. However, one common concern parents have is ensuring their children keep up academically and don't fall behind when they return to school.
Read on to see how to make the most of your travel year while keeping your kids on track educationally.1. Plan Ahead
Before you begin your gap year adventure, it's crucial to plan thoroughly. Consult with your children’s teachers and school administrators to understand the curriculum for their upcoming year. Get a list of key subjects, textbooks, and any standardized tests they'll need to prepare for.
You'll also need to research your country's/state's/school district's laws and rules regarding homeschooling and testing. Make sure you comply with these guidelines to ensure your kids don't face challenges when they return. For example, Texas, where we currently live, is one of the least strict states regarding requirements to withdraw a student to homeschool them. However, Pennsylvania, where I was born, has more stringent laws regarding homeschooling. You can find the homeschool laws for each state in the United States here. Next, find an online school or homeschooling program that aligns with your travel schedule and academic goals. Here are some you can check out:
If you choose to create your own curriculum based on your conversations with your kids' teachers and administrators (and you're located in the U.S.), keep an eye on the Common Core Standards to make sure you align with the standards your child will need to be competent in when they return. Know your limitations. If you are a math whiz but you struggle with English language arts, you could opt to teach them math yourself but have them learn their reading and writing skills from a private tutor or online school. If you are planning to work remotely while traveling in order to maintain an income stream, your time constraints may hinder your ability to do the homeschooling yourself and you may need to rely entirely on an online educational program. 2. Set a Flexible Learning Schedule
While it's important to stick to a routine, flexibility is key. Design a schedule that balances education with travel experiences. Dedicate certain hours of the day to schoolwork, but don't be afraid to adjust based on your travel itinerary. The goal is to make learning part of your adventure, not a separate chore.
Example Schedule:
3. Incorporate Learning into Travel
Travel offers a wealth of hands-on educational opportunities. There's a plethora of ways to create learning opportunities regardless of where you are. Visiting historical landmarks, museums, and cultural sites can provide interactive learning that textbooks can't offer. Consider hiring a language tutor to spend 30-60 minutes a day teaching your children the local language.
Encourage your kids to keep a travel journal - whether it's strictly written, a photo journal, a video documentary, or a combination of the three, documenting what they've learned and their reflections on their travel experiences. Expect more complexity and greater length of written reflections the older they are. 4. Utilize Online Resources and Educational Apps
In addition to full online curricula, there are numerous online resources and educational apps that can supplement your kids' learning. Websites like Khan Academy, Duolingo, and National Geographic Kids offer interactive lessons and activities. Additionally, e-books and audiobooks can be great resources for learning on the go.
How to Take a Travel Gap Year With Kids
5. Stay Connected with Teachers, Family, and friends
If your children's teachers are open to it, maintain regular communication with them. Help your child communicate regularly with their classmates as well. This can be done through emails, video calls, or a blog documenting your travels. Staying connected can help your kids feel involved and provide a sense of continuity. Emails are great for quick updates and questions. Video calls are perfect for your child to be able to see their friends, reinforcing their bonds. Blogging as a family allows your child to participate in sharing your family's journey. Include excerpts from their journaling and mention their educational milestones. Share your blog with family and friends back home, as well as with others looking to do the same thing.
6. Assess Progress Regularly
Regular assessments will help ensure your kids are keeping up with their studies. This can be through formal tests and quizzes or through informal evaluations like discussions and projects. Make sure to review their progress and adjust the learning plan as needed.
Tips:
7. Create a Support Network
Connect with other families who are also traveling while homeschooling or worldschooling. They can offer advice, share resources, and provide a support network for both you and your kids. Online forums and social media groups can also be valuable resources. Consider signing up for worldschool hubs, where your kids will learn and enjoy unique experiences alongside other traveling families.
A travel gap year with your kids is a wonderful opportunity for growth, both academically and personally. With careful planning and a flexible approach, you can ensure your children stay on track with their education while experiencing the world. Embrace the journey, and watch your kids thrive in ways you never imagined.
Happy travels! You may also like:
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