It’s September now, and it’s still rather hot in Arizona. In a few weeks it will be cool enough to begin my favorite homeschool routine: taking our homeschool outside. It will still be warm in the afternoons, but in October, in the mornings are nice. Taking your homeschool outside is more than just a change of scenery. It’s like completing a big checklist of things to do while we do school outside. Each day I have things I want to accomplish, and when I take my kids outside, I get a lot done.
Vitamin D
My older two boys prefer to be inside. They don’t spend much time on screens, but they enjoy legos, reading, drawing, and make-believe play. While they are happy inside, it’s good for them to be outside too. When we take our homeschooling outside, then it gives the reluctant indoor-children some vitamin D.
Some sources claim that children are not getting enough vitamin D, even in Arizona. The reason is because people are inside so much. It makes sense since it’s above 100 degrees for a number of months. Plus, we wear sunscreen in the later mornings and afternoons if we are outside. Sunscreen can block the vitamin D (I’m not against sunscreen or anything like that). When we go outside, it’s in the early morning around 8:00-10:00. Most of our time is in the shade.
Also, my younger kids need play time outside as well. So instead of keeping everyone inside all morning while we do school, they get to run around for a bit. When it’s really hot in the summer, we will sneak outside for breakfast before it gets super hot. In that case, we are outside around 7:00 or so. We aren’t able to take our school outside during the summer. Breakfast is the next best option.
Outdoor Time Supports Mental Health
Sunshine and fresh air are powerful mood boosters. Taking your homeschool outside can reduce stress and decreases anxiety. You are still homeschooling, so that sometimes stressful aspect isn’t gone, but feeling the wind and hearing birds chirp often times feels calming. Homeschool days can sometimes feel intense, and being outside offers a break that refreshes both parent and child. Studies show that even short time spent in nature can significantly improve overall well-being. I find that when I am outside, we slow down. Everyone needs a little bit of slowing down in their day.
Keep the Mess Outside
We love having snacks and lunch outside when it’s cool. I like it because it keeps the mess outdoors. I just take my broom and sweep away the crumbs. We have had cups spill over while eating outside. The nice part is that it’s not a big deal (as long as all the books are dry). The spill will dry up in the next hour or so. Also, doing projects and messy experiments are also great for outside.
Natural Breaks
When one child is done and another needs help, it’s nice to tell the other child to run around and play. It’s like they get a quick recess break while I finish helping their sibling. Research consistently shows that physical movement enhances focus, memory, and overall brain function. When children are outdoors, they move naturally—running, climbing, balancing, exploring. This kind of movement helps release energy, making it easier for kids to concentrate when it’s time to sit down with a book or worksheet.
Breaks Up the Routine
Even the most flexible homeschoolers can fall into predictable routines. Shifting lessons outside refreshes the day and breaks monotony. Doing a math lesson on a blanket outside feels different than math at the kitchen table. Variety keeps learning exciting and prevents burnout for both kids and parents.
Observe Nature
We do our nature study each day. About once a week, we get outside to observe what we are learning about. The benefit of taking your homeschool outside is that even if that nature study unit is done, your kids still remember the observations you made. They still might get excited when they see a dragonfly or see a hummingbird whiz past you.
How Do You Take Your Homeschool Outside?
This sounds like a dumb question, but it’s really not. I have been the disorganized person running into the house looking for one thing after the other. It’s hard to have everything all together when you bring four small children outside for homeschool.
A School Basket
Get a basket for each of your homeschooled-age children. Put all their textbooks, reading books, clipboards, small white board, etc….anything you use most days. Also, stuff a pencil box in the basket. Include pencils, dry erase markers, erasers, etc… Think about all the things you use, and then put them in a place where you and your kids can grab them and head outside. Bring snacks and water bottles, especially for the younger ones.
I find that taking your homeschool outside makes the day feel better. Sometimes I find myself running around with the kids in a quick game of soccer. Short moments of exercise can make a big difference in how I feel. If your backyard isn’t the best, then consider going to a park to do your school. Sometimes doing your school somewhere different makes life a little bit more fun.
Carly from DesertHomeschoolDays.com