Spring into Learning with Outdoor Activities for Homeschoolers
A TimeTrek Look at 1000 Hours Outside
Spring is coming and we're here for it! After a long winter, it's time to shake off the cabin fever and take learning outdoors. Ever feel like you're running a zoo instead of a homeschool? For me, some days, the walls seem to close in and everyone (including Mama!) starts to get a little... squirrelly. That's when I know it's time to head outside. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. This isn't just about "getting fresh air" (though that's important!). It's about boosting moods, improving focus, and connecting with the world around us. This isn't just for nature-study enthusiasts… every homeschool family can benefit from more outdoor time.
We all instinctively know that being outdoors is good for us. But did you know why? Let's break it down:
Vitamin D Boost. Sunlight is essential for Vitamin D, crucial for bone health, immunity, and mental well-being. Even short outdoor breaks can make a difference – I used to race home from the office to catch some rays, and it's even more important for growing kids!
Being in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. The sights, sounds, and even smells of the outdoors can have a calming, restorative effect on our minds.
Getting more sun and spending more time active can improve focus & attention. Remember that "squirrelly" feeling I mentioned? Outdoor time can help with that! Studies show that spending time in nature can improve attention span and reduce symptoms of ADHD in children (and adults!). This could even make it easier to do school work!
Getting outside allows us to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. It fosters a sense of awe and connection, reminding us that we're part of something bigger than ourselves. This is a core element of the TimeTrek philosophy - fostering an understanding of our place in the grand timeline of history and the world.
I've been hugely inspired by Ginny Yurich and her 1000 Hours Outside movement. Her simple idea – aiming for 1000 hours of outdoor time per year – just makes sense. It's a big goal, breaking down to roughly 3 hours per day, on average. It sounds daunting, but it's about prioritizing outdoor time. I set this goal every year and I don’t think we’ve formally documented hitting it yet, but we are improving all the time. The point isn't perfection; it’s prioritizing outdoor time and making it a regular part of our lives. A great way to work towards that goal is to set a daily or weekly minimum for outdoor time.
Simple Strategies for Getting Outside
Okay, so we know why it's important. But how do we actually make it happen, especially with the demands of homeschooling? Here are some practical tips that have worked for my family (and hopefully will work for yours too!):
The 20-Minute Rule: Whenever possible, make breaks outdoor breaks. 20 minutes of unstructured playtime can do wonders for resetting everyone's mood and focus. We skip the sunscreen for these short bursts and make sure to expose our faces, arms, hands, and legs when possible. (I exercise judgement with the redhead and myself when the sun is high - we’re both pretty fair skinned.)
Device-Free Zones: This is a big one in our house. During outdoor breaks, devices stay inside. This encourages kids to engage with their surroundings, use their imaginations, and get creative.
P.E. = Outside, No Matter What: Physical Education is always outdoors in our homeschool, rain or shine (or snow!). We have a minimum of 15 minutes of outdoor time every day, even if it's just a quick walk around the block or a dash through the rain to check on the creek.
Embrace the Mess: This was hard for me at first, but it's been a game-changer. Rainboots, rain jackets, old towels, and a washbasin by the back door are our friends. Kids are meant to get messy! It's part of the fun (and the learning!). We don’t always want to get out when it’s wet or sloshy outside but we almost always have a blast once we get out there!
Al Fresco Dining: Whenever the weather permits, we eat breakfast or lunch outside at our picnic table. If you don’t have a place to dine outside, it can be a simple picnic on a blanket in the yard or a trip to a local park where you eat sandwiches on the swings. Once a week in the Spring and Fall, we make it a priority to have a weekly cookout. Even if it’s just a quick pop outside for hotdogs on the grill.
Family Adventures: We try to incorporate outdoor activities into our family time. Hikes, dog walking, gardening, or even just a family stroll at sunset can be great ways to connect and enjoy the outdoors together.
Outdoor Learning: Take the schoolwork outside! Clipboards are your best friend. For littles, practice letters and shapes by drawing them with sticks in the dirt or sand. Count rocks, acorns, or leaves. Do math worksheets in the grass. The change of scenery can make even routine tasks more engaging. Start a nature journal. Encourage kids to draw or write about what they see, hear, and smell outdoors.
Track on smaller scale
To help you track your outdoor time and stay motivated, I put together a Monthly Hours Outside tracking sheet to help you track progress. It's be a simple visual way to keep track of your overall look and celebrate your progress. The 1000 Hours Outside goal is a fantastic aspiration, but it might not seem like a realistic goal when you’re first starting out. Progress is progress - you can start by shooting for simply more time outside but keep an eye on your overall theme. Get started today - I promise you won’t regret it!
Climate Considerations
Here's a guide to help you plan for changing seasons, remembering that flexibility is key! In general, keep an eye on the weather and sunset times and plan accordingly. Listen to your family; start with lower goals, working your way up, and take needed breaks. Aim for extra time outside on Saturdays and days when the weather is nice.
Southern Climates:
Aim for an average of 2-3 hours daily, depending on the season. Here's what might work:
Spring (March-May): 2-3 hours per day
Summer (June-August): 1-2 hours per day (focus on mornings and evenings)
Fall (September-November): 2-3 hours per day
Winter (December-February): 1.5-2.5 hours per day
Northern Climates:
Aim for an average of 1-3 hours daily, with priority on nice weather days. Here's an example:
Spring (March-May): 1.5-2.5 hours per day
Summer (June-August): 2.5-3+ hours per day c
Fall (September-November): 1.5-2.5 hours per day
Winter (December-February): 0.5-1 hour per day (bundle up and break it into shorter bursts if needed)
The goal isn't to rigidly adhere to a specific number of hours. It's about making outdoor time a priority and finding creative ways to incorporate it into your daily routine, no matter where you live. Be flexible, be patient with yourself, and remember that even small amounts of time spent outdoors can make a big difference.
Making it Work for Your Family
Every family is different, and every climate is unique. Don't get discouraged if you can't hit a specific goal. Don’t lose momentum if your settings or schedule makes it difficult. Start small, find what works for you, and celebrate your successes, however small. Remember, the goal is to connect with nature, boost your family's well-being, and create lasting memories.
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This is where I share general insights and strategies from my own family’s experience and from working with other homeschoolers. Every child’s journey looks different, but these principles can apply across the board. If you’d like to see more, follow along on 𝕏 TimeTrekFam for daily updates and general shenanigans and click below to subscribe for free on Substack for the real content!
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