Hey!! Welcome to the Road Life Project.
You may not know this yet, but if you are taking your children’s education on the road, you are officially Roadschooling!! Yep, Roadschooling is just a cool term for Homeschooling on the road.
You’ve made a big bold move by deciding to Roadschool. Your kids are never stepping foot inside another school building again...or maybe you are just taking homeschooling on the road. Whichever it may be, congratulations!! You are doing what works for your family. Let’s get into some of the dos, don’ts, and maybes of this Roadschooling life.
The Legal Stuff
The very first step in Roadschooling has to do with legalities. In what state are you domiciled? What requirements do they have concerning homeschooling? Is there an option to enroll your children in an umbrella school or correspondence school?
If the state in which you are domiciled has very strict homeschool laws, you might want to consider changing your domicile to another state. Texas and Michigan have very lax laws. Florida has the option for an umbrella school which will help you meet Florida homeschool laws.
Make sure that whatever you choose you:
Have everything documented appropriately
Know the ins and outs of declaring your children as homeschoolers
Know how to withdraw your children from public school (if this applies).
You are Officially Roadschooling, Now What?
So now that you know what you are legally required to do, how do you actually accomplish this? First, don’t go out and buy a bunch of curriculum. Not only are you downsizing your life into an RV where tons of books won’t fit, but you are just starting out. You don’t know what your family RV lifestyle will be like or what interest your children, how they learn best.
Now if you are already hyperventilating, grab a paper bag and let me explain.
It is possible to stay legal while Roadschooling without sticking to a regimented curriculum. AND since you are now free to Roadschool you decide when you take “vacations” and do “summer break”. So, if you are just starting out, take the time to relax and be free as you adjust to these new circumstances. Pay attention to your family’s new dynamics and what your children are interested in learning. It will help you figure out what kind of books, workbooks, online programs, and other educational materials will suit everyone’s needs. See, that wasn’t too bad, right?
Dealing with Roadschooling Haters
Not everyone is going to applaud your decision to Roadschool your children. Your family members and friends will probably be your worst critics, that was the case for our family. So, how do you deal with all this negatively? Especially when you are so excited about your decision? Or maybe you were feeling a bit scared or worried about your decision and this is making it worse. What do you do?
Before you do anything else, look at your kids, your family, pull up photos of your Roadschooling adventures. Remind yourself of why you made this decision in the first place. Start thinking about how you have seen your children learn and grow while on the road. Sure, there are some rough times, but what about the first time you heard the gasps from your children's mouths as they gazed on snow-capped mountains, or the thundering of the ocean, or Horseshoe Bend in Utah, or the geysers in Yellowstone? Or maybe you haven’t experienced that yet, but you will and they will too!
After reminding yourself of how amazing this journey is (or will be), you can share these experiences with those naysayers. If they still think your kids are missing out (not enough socialization or math), just remind yourself of all those fun times by the campfire with new friends or times at the playground...and the math? Well, not only are there plenty or workbooks on the subject, let’s not forget online games, and daily opportunities for real-life math skills (adding up your souvenir totals before you get to the check out, getting enough quarters for the laundry, cooking measurements for that first batch of RV pancakes, and math problems you can create based on your surroundings).
If you are still given a hard time, take a deep breath and just ignore them!!! You don’t need that kind of negativity. I’m not saying you cut them out of your life or anything, but maybe just save your energy and focus on your kids for now. Those haters might change their mind, or maybe they won’t, but you do what is best for your family and you will be much happier.
Finding your Roadschool Community
While families abound at the pool, playground, and craft-time at the RV park community center, what happens when you drive away? How do you stay connected as a community? How do you help your children maintain their Roadschool friendships?
Well, you can be a part of an amazing community that will support your Roadschooling journey. And you’re actually in the right place!! The Road Life Project is here to help you in every step of your Roadschool journey, from social events (online with the Digital Pen Pal and in-person at meetups) to homeschooling co-op.
Your children will be able to learn and socialize no matter where you are on your Roadschool journey and no matter where you are in the country. Fulltime Traveling, Dreaming, or Stationary RVing, all are welcome and can participate.
Enjoy your Roadschool Journey!!
Lastly, I want to remind you that Roadschooling should be enjoyable! Your family should not be dreading this time, I mean some days you will because it’s life and things don’t always go as planned, but overall, this should be an amazing bonding and learning experience. It’s OK to toss the books aside to participate in the Junior Ranger Program or to go on a hike with friends. That’s learning too! It counts!!
Don't’ get so bogged down in completing your scheduled lessons that you forget to live your best RV life as a family!!
If you are looking for some other roadschooling articles and resources, stay right here on the Road Life Project!!
If you want to read a little bit more about letting go of some of the structure and embracing real-life, natural learning, check out this post by yours truly: Roadschooling – It’s easier than you think.
Exploring the Local Life is a Latino Roadschooling family of four that has been on the road since October 2015. We blog and vlog all about RVing, but it's not always rainbows and campfires. It's real life every day as we navigate love, unschooling, and breaking free from the mold in our 26ft home on wheels.