My family has been roadschooling for 9 years now. In this time, we have used a lot of resources. Some were great, others not so much. In this article, I will share with you the top 13 road school resources that we use in our schooling.
In-Person Learning
It can be difficult to find in-person learning opportunities when traveling. That said, we have managed to find some, and have really enjoyed plugging into a community and learning something new any time we have a chance.
Junior Ranger Program
As a national parks nerd, this one is at the top of my list. The Junior Ranger program allows kids to learn about their parks by doing hands-on activities and attending ranger programs during their visit. Once they have completed the requirements, they return to a ranger station or visitor center, where they are sworn in as Junior Rangers and receive a badge.
This program is available at every NPS site across the country.
Local Libraries
I am constantly amazed by what local libraries will offer completely free of charge. We have attended painting classes, Cricut workshops, a coding camp, dance classes, and more—all for free, and all through various public library systems.
Take a look at the library website wherever you’re headed next and see what kinds of classes, workshops, and events you might be able to attend.
Parks and Recreation Departments
When it comes to classes, I love to check the local Parks and Recreation Department website wherever we are traveling. Sometimes the department has very little to offer, but other times they have a whole collection of fun classes and camps available.
In most cases, Parks and Rec classes are less expensive than classes offered by a private organization. They also tend to be more laid back, meaning dropping in for a single month could be 100% okay. Just call to ask!
Apps and Websites
Apps and websites are some of the very best resources we roadschoolers have at our fingertips. That said, there are hundreds of options out there, making it overwhelming to find the right fit.
Below are the apps and websites we have found work best for us.
Kahoot Math Apps
We love the Kahoot math apps. They make math easy to understand and provide kids with a fun way to practice their skills between lessons.
Teach Your Monster to Read
If your kid is having a hard time learning to read, Teach Your Monster to Read is the app for you. This app is what helped reading click for my son years ago, and now my 4-year-old daughter is using it to learn to read.
Duolingo
Duolingo is an ideal app for kids who want to learn a second language. It gamifies learning, helping to motivate students and make the learning process more fun.
Khan Academy
Currently, my son is using Khan as his primary curriculum. He appreciates that the lesson videos are short and concise, and he can move on quickly once he understands a concept. I appreciate that it is relatively hands-off for me and totally free.
Outschool
We also love Outschool. My son uses it to take science classes and art classes, both with teachers he adores and classmates he has connected with.
Note: We also used Prodigy Math for a time. While it wasn’t ideal for my son, I thought it was amazing, and therefore want to give it an honorable mention.
Reading Materials
Because we can only carry so many books in our tiny home-on-wheels, ensuring our kids always have new things to read can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Here are the solutions we have found.
Epic
Epic is a book subscription service that gives users access to hundreds of kids ebooks. I really liked that the platform was kid-friendly and that I knew my son was only given access to age-appropriate material.
Libby
If you want to use your local library system while traveling, Libby is an excellent app for that. This app allows you to check out ebooks through your local library using your library card.
Little Free Libraries
Want some real books too? Little Free Libraries are great for that! Look for these libraries as you travel, and whenever you find one, trade some books your family has already read for books that are new to you.
Local Libraries
Believe it or not, you can also make use of the local libraries wherever you travel much of the time. Most library systems offer some sort of non-resident library card to visitors. You may have to pay a small fee, but in exchange you will be given access to everything the library has to offer.
Thrift Stores
Another way to get some physical books in your kids’ hands is to visit thrift stores. Usually, thrift stores offer books for just a dollar or two, meaning you can pick up several new books without spending a fortune. While you’re there, be sure to donate any books you are no longer using to make space for the new ones!
Note: Our friends use the Everand app and adore it. This is similar to Epic, but with books for all ages. It does look amazing and might be worth looking into if you need even more options.
About the author: Chelsea Gonzales
Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.
You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.
