3 Big Ways Field Trips Are Different in Middle School
Travel and field trips are very different now that Emily is in middle school. We just returned from a big trip across the country and there’s so much I want to share with you! We learned some cool things about traveling while homeschooling a middle schooler that I can’t wait to share with you.
For starters, middle schoolers are more independent. They can carry their own luggage and entertain themselves in the car. However, they’ve also got lots of opinions about where you go and what activities you participate in.
We’re enjoying learning on location as we travel with our middle school homeschooler. Keep reading to get the scoop on all the ways it’s different and why we love it. Plus, discover some of our favorite ways to learn on the go.
Homeschooling Middle School: 3 Big Ways Field Trips Are Different
The middle school years bring lots of changes! Our field trips and travel plans are different too. I can’t get away with a Target run or a trip to the farmer’s market for an exciting field trip anymore. Check out 3 big ways field trips are different in middle school:
Middle Schoolers Are More Independent
Middle schoolers are more independent. They can begin managing their time, completing tasks with minimal supervision, and exploring personal interests. That means your middle schoolers are ready to explore their interests and they’ll let you know which activities they want to do and the ones they don’t.
We love following Emily’s interests as we travel. It has led us to participate in new things we might never have tried and we have all learned a lot as a family along the way.
However, it sometimes means changing plans. The things that used to be exciting or fun, might not be interesting to your middle schooler anymore. Letting them plan some activities will give them a chance to express their individuality and take ownership of their learning.
As a bonus, this new independence means they can carry their own luggage and entertain themselves in the vehicle. You won’t have to plan as many ways to occupy them or stuff your purse full of travel surprises. Instead, they’ll entertain themselves in the car and things will be a lot quieter.
Homeschool Learning Conversations Are Better
The conversations we have now are my favorite part of homeschooling a middle schooler. Our conversations go so much deeper as we dive into our thoughts and feelings while traveling.
For example, while visiting Mt. Rushmore, we had a meaningful discussion about the ethics of building it. In the end, everyone agreed that we can marvel at the beauty of this engineering marvel and still think the way it was created was wrong.
Museum exhibits and historic sites can lead to many deep and important discussions with middle schoolers. These talks are one of my favorite ways we’re learning together as a family these days.
We Can Do More Now
Another big way field trips are different in middle school is that we can do so much more. Now that Emily is older, we don’t have to stick to the “safe” kid activities as much. Instead, we can go on adventures she would have been too young for just a few years ago.
In Bryce Canyon, we were able to ride horses to the bottom of the canyon floor, something she wasn’t old enough to do before. The view was amazing! It was an experience that lasted half a day and created memories we’ll share for a lifetime.
Certain field trips and adventures are better with older kids. If you’ve been waiting for a big family adventure, now’s the time to make a plan! Include your middle schooler in family discussions about where to visit, create a budget, and let them help do the research.
Middle schoolers can learn valuable lessons by researching places to stay, things to do, where to eat, transportation costs, and more. It’s the perfect way to get real-world math practice.
How We’re Learning On Location
Field trips are different in middle school. They present new learning opportunities we love! That’s why we’re still learning on location.
Want to see how we do it? Check out Learning On Location: Using Traveling The Parks In Our Homeschool to get the scoop on how we’re using field trips and interest-led unit studies to study history, geography, and science in middle school.
Have your field trips changed now that you’re homeschooling a middle schooler? Share your favorite big changes in the comments. I can’t wait to read them!