Homeschooling: Free Educational Activities for when Kids Finish Their Lessons Early

Homeschooling can be challenging, but because of the freedom allowed, such as not waiting for everyone in class to finish a subject, the students sometimes find themselves finishing classes early. Many children will still want to do something. Below are some free things to do when kids finish their homeschool lessons early.

- Do crossword puzzles, word searches, or other pencil word games. These stimulate the brain, which is excellent for comprehension skills.

- Take a nature walk. Try to reference something from recent studies. If that isn't possible, teach a lesson about what you do see.

- Play flashcard games. These can help to keep current lessons fresh in the mind. Flashcards can be made for any subject using index cards. Just cut them in half for a more convenient size.

- Make and play a homemade learning game together. Games can be made out of many different things. For a jumpstart on homemade math games , click here.

- Play educational software on the computer or online educational games. Educational games can stimulate the brain and some games can even teach new things.

- Visit a local library and attend storytime. This will not only be fun and educational, but it's a great opportunity for socializing with other chidren. Library storytime is often very interactive, requiring children to work togther.

- Do extra language or math worksheets. This might sound hard to believe, but my children actually enjoy worksheets and sometimes ask to complete more than what were assigned in these areas.

- Practice handwriting skills. Having good handwriting skills can help your child immensely. Daily practice can be very useful. If you already practice this every day, a little extra time will be even more beneficial.

- Write a story. Writing is an essential life skill that should be practiced regularly.

- Keep a calendar of free events, festivals, and activities going on in your area. Check your calendar when the kids finish early to see if there's something you can surprise them with. Many cities also have free educational activities and classes available at universities, libraries, museums, churches, hospitals, parks, and more. Some are even especially for homeschoolers. Always check the paper and surf the internet for free offerings so you can keep many items on your calendar.

- Read a book. Reading stimulates the mind. In fact, there has been recent research showing that reading regularly is one of the very few ways to create new brain cells.

- Draw a descriptive picture of something recently learned. Putting thought into pictures helps improve comprehension, as well as enhance creativity and imagination.

- Watch an educational video.

- Do some of the next day's work. This will build confidence in children because they will learn they can do anything if they put their mind to it.

- Call around and see if any museums or zoos are offering a free day. If they are, take up the opportunity.

- Have a picnic (lunch or snack) and reading circle at the park or in your backyard.

- Go to the YMCA open gym. This will be free if you're a member. If you're not a member, the fee is minimal.

- Ride bikes to a local nature spot. This could be a large park, mountains, bayou, or any other area where wild animals might reside.

- Tour a neighboring city. This will require gas money and possibly money for food, but is relatively close to free.

Remember that learning can come in many forms. Keeping an open mind is essential to running a successful home school. You don't always have to spend money to learn. There are educational opportunities all around us. Also remember that it's okay to finish early and just let the kids play sometimes, too. After all, they did earn it by working so hard to finish early.