I think all homeschool parents ask themselves, “Does this count as a homeschool day?” at some point. And you will get mixed answers. But, I have found that many will say, “kids are learning every day.” So, how do you know what counts as a homeschool day?
I found, over the years, that it has changed for me.
At first, I counted the days we did book work and an occasional field trip. However, I only counted a field trip day IF we did some math and reading along with it.
Now, I look at each situation to decide what I am comfortable saying counts as a homeschool day. Let’s face it. Not everyone feels comfortable counting every day as a day of learning. So let me help.
Does This Count as a Homeschool Day?
For me, I don’t count EVERY day as a homeschool day. I know my kids are always learning, but if any authorities ask, I want to feel like they can’t question that I am homeschooling my kiddos.
So, I ask myself the following questions.
- What did my kids learn?
If you jot down in a notebook what your kids learned for the day would someone say, “Wow, they learned all that today?” Or would they be, “Huh? You count that?”
I know we all have our own idea of what is considered learning. It comes down to what you think counts.
For example, my son went to summer camp. He did mammal studies, orienteering, fishing, and swimming. The classes were five days a week for about five hours a day.
Did I count this as schooling? Yes.
Here’s my next question.
- If I had to list the specific subjects and skills we covered during the day, what would they be?
Again, if you are hesitant to count every day as learning, this is an excellent question. It will set your mind at ease when you see the skills and subjects your kids covered, even if it wasn’t in your plans.
Should This Count as a Homeschool Day?
So, using the example above, what subjects and skills did my son learn during one week at camp?
First, my boy learned all about mammals in our local area in mammal studies. This would fit into biology and nature studies.
When it comes to orienteering, it would be a life skill and geography. My boy learned to read different maps and use a map and compass. Plus, he applied the skills by creating an orienteering course and going through one someone created for him.
As for fishing, my boy learned about the types of lures and flies and when to use them. In addition, they taught them about what to do if you were stuck by a hook (hint, you don’t just pull it out) and how to clean and safely cook a fish. This is a valuable life skill.
Last, swimming is another vital life skill, especially for kids that like doing water activities. It is also physical education.
In swimming, kids spent two hours a day learning water safety and life-saving techniques. They also learned different swim strokes, especially those that can help in a life-threatening situation. And, of course, they did a lot of swimming.
So, I feel confident all this counts as a homeschool day to anyone who questions me. After all, learning is more than just book learning. Kids need life skills, too.
Homeschooling Isn’t Public School
I think another important thing to remember is homeschooling isn’t public school. Learning is more than sitting in a classroom, listening to a lecture, and doing work at your desk. I know that is oversimplifying public school. You get the idea, though.
Also, learning covers more than the subjects offered in a public school setting. With homeschooling, we can add in more subjects than a public school. Since we only have a few kids to worry about, we have more opportunities. We are also not stuck getting things done in a 45-minute block of time.
Learning will look different in your homeschool than in school. That doesn’t mean what you do shouldn’t count as a homeschool day.
So, if you are concerned if what you are doing counts as a homeschool day, just ask yourself the questions above.
If you are in camp, “every day counts as a homeschool day,” keep doing what you are doing. That’s the beauty of homeschooling.
I know not everyone is comfortable with that approach. Some people need more guidelines to go by. Hopefully, thinking through these questions and their answers will help you feel better about homeschooling. After all, everyone should homeschool with confidence.
Happy Homeschooling!
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