Learning how to teach Language Arts while traveling has been a lot easier than I originally thought it would be. Since we are Airbnb hopping, we do spend a significant amount of time at “home,” but we also intentionally plan for activities, attractions, and days checking out all a place has to offer.
Another thing to note is that we have never been huge textbook users, so I think that also helps when looking for unique and fun ways to teach this subject. Keep reading to learn how we teach Language Arts while full-time traveling.
Psst… There’s a giveaway at the end of the post + an exclusive discount on one of our hottest products (when you join our email community)!
What is Language Arts anyways?
Formally speaking, language arts is the study of grammar, composition, spelling, and (sometimes) public speaking, typically taught as a single subject in elementary and middle school. In short, this subject bridges the gap between it and all other subjects. Without being able to read, write, and/or speak, all other subjects will be a little more difficult to attain.
What I love about teaching this particular subject is the versatility. I also feel like this subject is seen as the most difficult but only if you put it in a box. Also, if you were public schooled like I was, then you most likely have these preconceived milestones that your children need to hit – or else!
May I invite you to let go of those right now. If your six year old isn’t reading, that’s NOT a bad thing! If your eight year old seems to be “struggling” with reading long sentences or writing completely legible, do NOT stress about it! The best thing you can do when it comes to Language Arts is to give your child time to grow and develop in their unique timing.
How to Teach Language Arts While Traveling
Use the environment around you.
If you step back and take a look around, language arts is all around us. From street signs to billboards and names of restaurants to flyers on a pole – we are around every aspect of it. Whether you are traveling or not, begin to pay attention and use the environment around you to teach your child key concepts.
If you have a beginner reader, have them point out every time they see a stop sign. Ask them to sound out the words they see on buildings or billboards. If you have older kiddos, have them write a journal entry about what they saw while out and about. Speaking of which…
Get creative by using a reading/writing journal.
Reading and writing journals are by far one of the easiest and most creative ways for teaching Language Arts. They can be used for a number of things like writing daily journal entries, reading practice, or turned into lapbooks. You can cut and paste pieces of a story (printed from online) and have your child read it, rewrite it, and illustrate it.
Read lots of books together.
Reading to children has always been one of the best ways to help increase their vocabulary, language skills, cognitive development, and cultivate a lifelong love of reading. Every town usually has a public library where you can check out books; so, no matter where you find yourself, look for a public library.
We also like to hit up local used bookstores and recently hit jackpot with a local Goodwill bookstore. You can also utilize audiobooks and video books (YouTube has some great ones).
Let your kids take the lead.
As I mentioned earlier, there are times when it’s best to let your kids lead. As much as we’d like to control the speed at which our children learn and reach academic milestones, most of the time it goes much smoother when we follow their lead.
One of the biggest things I realized while being a teacher in the public school system was that most students did NOT have a learning disability… instead, they were being forced to move on quicker than they were ready. In return, they would seem to be delayed in some way and then slapped with a label.
We don’t have to make those same mistakes with our homeschoolers.
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Do you enjoy teaching Language Arts in your homeschool?
Next to geography, Language Arts is one of my favorite subjects. Use my tips for how to teach Language Arts while traveling whether you are on the road full time, taking a vacation, or staying at home. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you! Do you enjoy teaching Language Arts in your homeschool? Let me know in the comments below.
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Check out the full Homeschooling the Subjects While Traveling series here!