How to Start Roadschooling: 9 Things to Consider

Leaping into homeschooling is really exciting and even more thrilling if you are thinking about traveling. Giving your family the chance to learn while they travel will be an experience they will never forget. It does require some preparation if you want to optimize educational experiences. You may be wondering how to start roadschooling. There are things to understand as you start considering this option for your family.

Here are nine important things to know before starting roadschooling. 

1. What is roadschooling? 
2. Create a space for learning 
3. Research the location ahead of time  
4. Online curriculums for homeschoolers 
5. Laws for roadschoolers 
6. Schedules for roadschoolers 
7. How to make money roadschooling 
8. Supplies kids need 
9. Connecting with other homeschoolers 

This article will discuss how to start roadschooling, so you understand what other roadschoolers do to prepare for travel-based learning. Learning the questions others have asked will help you as you prepare for your roadschooling journey. This post is focused mostly on the homeschooling aspect of roadschooling and the small ways families may mentally prepare for this transition, to make starting it as smooth as possible.

There are many different homeschool styles to ponder when you and your family are ready to make the switch. Consider what is best for your family and learning styles to make the best decisions for your roadschooling family. I am writing multiple articles related to roadschooling; I want to connect you with the proper communities and give the best advice!

There are more things related to roadschooling; picking an RV and selling your stuff, for example.

I have created a preparation guide for roadschooling and an article about the pros and cons. For now, they start with the essentials for homeschooling on the road!

Let’s go! 

1. What is Roadschooling?

A subset of homeschooling, roadschooling is when families travel together while homeschooling their children. Homeschooling has become increasingly more popular, and many families are choosing to pack up and go travel together. 

Roadschooling encompasses a few different things.

• Roadschooling is a mindset and a perspective change
• Families visit places for hands-on learning
• Roadschooling is not a mega vacation
• Involves family learning
• Roadschooling can be child-led

Roadschooling is a mindset and a perspective change. Many people think that homeschoolers are socially awkward or academically challenged. On the contrary, homeschooling families understand the mental change needed to support this lifestyle change. Roadschoolers know learning happens naturally; adults support their children’s natural interests as they evolve and provide different hands-on experiences for the entire family. 

Families visit different places for hands-on learning. Destinations likely have local museums, local tours, monuments, historical centers, State and National Parks, and zoos. Families explore diverse cultures and use the five senses for experiential learning. Children see nature’s problem-solving in action; they learn the different ways communities have adapted to particular things– war, natural disaster, poverty, erosion, disease, etc.

Roadschooling is not a mega vacation like some people think. Families must negotiate expenses and understand the difference between needs and wants. Children must learn that they may not get to do the many tourist attractions or purchase tons of souvenirs while on the road. It is a lifestyle choice that involves typical financial considerations.

It involves family learning because the entire family travels together to various places learning about the location’s geography, culture, and history. This involvement makes it an enriching experience for everyone because people’s interests vary, and traveling builds on prior knowledge. Families learn to communicate, negotiate, and learn together!

Some roadschooling families are child-led, so they allow the children to decide what interests them and build curriculum experiences from there. Some families unschool their children, which typically does not require a curriculum. Other families have purchased curriculums on the laptop, while others supplement trips with activities and games. 

2. Create a Space For Learning 

Decide what space you will need for your family’s style. Many homeschoolers have a room with supplies and personal space for learning. Roadschooling is a little different. Since families travel to various places, they do not have the same learning environment as traditional learners. Many families must negotiate space in RVs or travel lodges, so it is important to plan a space to learn if they have workbooks, activities, or projects. 

Consider using the internet to save on space in a travel RV. Some homeschoolers rely heavily on books and physical materials, while others ditch the paper and use the web. Consider your style and create a suitable space for your family if you want to integrate materials that need tons of space. 

Designate specific areas for materials you must keep. There will be non-negotiables requiring a specific place in your living space. Essentials like books, pens/pencils, and computers will need an area where they are kept. Try using different small nooks for books, drawers for writing supplies, and hardcover areas for laptops, so they stay safe. 

Some unschooling families prefer experiential learning, which does not need any space because it is within the child’s mind. The physical area is then used for eating and sleeping, and most other learning is done in the head. 

Use the walls and windows for posting maps and small projects your kids are proud of. Use the different upright spaces for kids to display their work or try the ceiling. Kids love hanging things right where they can see them, especially where they sleep. Take photos of the things you need to ditch so you can make digital albums. 

Remember that a lot of the learning is done outside of the living space. Don’t stress too much about small living space when you are traveling. There is plenty of room outside and at campsites, if that is your destination. Many places have cafes, libraries, and different learning areas for kids to expand their knowledge and, quite literally, their supplies. 

3. Research the Location Ahead of Time 

Plan your next destination and involve the whole family. Think of different adventures, hikes, museums, and parks to make the most out of it. Use the internet to look up pictures and prepare your family for what is to come, so they understand a bit before you get there. Start deciding on supplemental activities and books that your family likes and get them out while on the road.

Here are a few steps that will help with this process.

• Select a curriculum
• Consider the location to facilitate lessons
• Involve kids in the research
• Decide on a roadschooling schedule
• Compile or list the resources
• Discuss what you will buy and collect ahead of time

Select a Curriculum

Decide ahead of time whether or not to involve a specific curriculum, printables, or other materials that will go along with the location. The learning materials and the destination go hand in hand. Work together with your family to decide which will benefit everyone the most. Some families prefer having different options for digital products, card games, worksheets, books, and supplemental learning materials; others prefer a hands-on approach. You can have a combination of both!

If you choose to implement a digital curriculum, research the various options. You may have some that your family enjoys using. I listed a few more below to help you decide if you haven’t found one your family likes.

Consider letting your child decide what learning experience they prefer for specific locations. See if they identify different digital materials that will go well with the location’s sites. Suppose they are uninspired; prompt them with additional questions about the new place to see if anything sounds familiar. They may remember specific projects they learned from Pinterest or YouTube and feel motivated to try again.

Consider the Location to Facilitate Lessons 

Thinking a little bit ahead is probably good for roadschoolers. It is best to pick a place with qualities you and your family crave learning about. It is good to get excited about the area and mentally prepare for the sites. When kids can predict the area, families learn to prepare for specific subjects and objectives without realizing it. 

You may visit somewhere and remember that you have a game that reinforces a goal. Kids will remember a scavenger hunt associated with a different national park and ask for a different one to try. Ask your family what kinds of topics pique their interest while you explore the websites and see the pictures of the following travel location. 

Involve Kids in the Research 

Kids want to know what to expect and subjects to prepare for. Children want to decide where to go too! If you can, give them a couple of options so you can negotiate different destinations. Kids get excited when they have an idea and experience it firsthand. They want to imagine what it would be like, prepare for the new trip and facilitate their own experiences. 

Let them search to find different topics that they can look forward to seeing. When your get there, ask them to get outside to find the various places they found online or to find local maps. If you have a geography scavenger hunt or something similar, teach them to learn the different sites within the area you are traveling to. 

Decide on a Roadschooling Schedule

It is crucial to schedule an appropriate amount of downtime and play. Roadschooling schedules are a personal choice. Remember that the kids might not understand which are driving days and which are stationary days. Plan specific workbooks, movies, or curriculum-based learning around the days you spend traveling in the RV.

Use your previous research to encourage different hands-on learning experiences when arriving in your new location. There will likely be local museums, tours, historical centers, State and National Parks, and zoos. Consider different temperaments and personalities as you get accustomed to the new environment. Some people need the right amount of time before diving into new learning environments.

Compile or List Different Resources

Families may have easily accessible supplies for different experiences that will reinforce learning. You may want to get out your map and think about a project to try or a skill that needs practice. Maybe your 6-year-old wants to practice starting a fire. If you know your following location will have a campsite, let your kids round up all the things you have for starting a fire before you get there. 

Get them excited to make it to the next place by giving them jobs for the next location. Distribute jobs based on their age level and motivation. Keep it enticing by using gentle reminders and exciting language to remind them of the new experiences to come. Emphasis fun responsibilities! When kids get to be in charge of collecting materials, they will help the entire family and have fun doing it.

Discuss What to Buy and Collect Beforehand 

Talking about the physical materials you want to get while you are there beforehand will help save time and money and give your kids something fun to look forward to. You may need to negotiate certain purchases based on past trips. Take the time to discuss the things your kids really want before you arrive.  

Understanding the difference between needs versus wants is crucial when considering finances. Part of homeschooling involves teaching kids while they are immersed in a topic. You can invite them to understand this concept as they experience their personal needs through traveling if you are already on the road.

Consider searching for different free pamphlets, maps, and scavenger hunts the community has when you arrive. Some centers have games and maps that you can use during outdoor games and activities within the community. Have the paper items on hand to read before you go exploring. 

4. Online Curriculums for Homeschoolers 

There are some free and paid curriculums to choose from if you want to choose an online platform. I will list a few of the most popular options. Some curriculums are faith-based, while others are highly academic. Some are just fun games. Pick one that is best suited to your family’s needs.

Free and Online Learning Curriculums for Homeschoolers

5. Laws for Roadschoolers 

I am not a lawyer.

Understand Different States’ Homeschool Requirements

There are different ways to find information about your state on the web. You can search in google by typing “your state” and “homeschool requirements”  to find websites dedicated to state regulation information. I am sure you will come across this website, which is very useful for finding homeschool requirements per state. Pay attention to the requirements when you are considering your options for homeschooling. 

Record a Domicile if Regulations are too Strict in Home State

Requirements vary from state to state, and some states have very relaxed guidelines, while others are more strict. Roadschooling is a homeschool style, so the requirements for roadschoolers will be the same as the state regulations for your documented address. This may not be a huge issue if you are not traveling out of your state. If you are considering traveling out of the state, you must change to a domicile –state of residence– that has guidelines that accommodate roadschoolers. 

Change Address to a Domicile State 

Find a state that aligns with your homeschool structure. When you figure out what homeschool model you want to follow, you might want to change your address to a state with the requirements that fit your roadschool style. State requirements range anywhere from very relaxed to highly regulated. Alaska and Iowa are very relaxed, while Pennsylvania and New York are more strict. The most common domicile states are Texas, Florida, and South Dakota. 

Research Different Umbrella Schools 

Umbrella schools may be used if you want to consider a domicile state that has relaxed rules. Some states have Umbrella Schools, which are private schools that can have homeschool applicants. These schools make it easy for homeschoolers to “attend” without involving the state. There are pros and cons to using Umbrella Schools you may want to read about. For some, it is still a great option. 

6. Schedules for Roadschoolers 

Understand the difference between a travel day and a stationary day. The travel days will be when you are on the road going from one place to the next. Stationary days will be the days you are at the desired location. Remember that you must be flexible, and you should want this to be fun. Of course, there will be stressful days and times when kids just don’t understand the day of the week; that is okay too!

Plan your schedule around your travel days to ensure that you utilize the time spent in the RV or van. Roadschoolers typically have pretty relaxed schedules built around the area they are visiting. Use the resources you have to keep it relatively fun and stress-free. Use this time to incorporate screen-time, workbooks, reading materials, curriculum-based learning, and apps to build on the knowledge they gained or prepare for the next destination. 

Consider each child’s strengths and weaknesses while you are planning a schedule. Some children may do well with impromptu lessons; others might need more notice and preparation. Think of what each child needs as you approach your next target area. If you are already at the travel location, use the resources you have or consider looking for maps, travel guides, and educational pamphlets in different public places. 

Utilize local museums, local tours, historical centers, and zoos so everyone can benefit from the culture. One of roadschooling’s benefits is that it allows children to integrate real-world objects into their learning. Use this to your advantage when studying a particular subject or considering the next destination. 

State and National Parks are a big reason why many families travel, and they encompass a big part of the roadschooling schedule. Plan different park days frequently and research additional opportunities for you to use the community resources to reinforce learning. 

Keep it relaxed to ensure everyone is rested and stress-free. There will be opportunities for children to learn things in the community they can’t learn in workbooks or online. Let them experience the new environment and then casually incorporate new suggestions into their day as needed. 

7. What About Making Money Roadschooling?

Roadschooling families still have jobs. They may look a bit different than traditional settings. Most travel families get creative with finances and learn how to make money online or telecommute. Families who choose to roadschool typically understand the extreme costs associated with traveling. Traveling takes a lot of planning and sometimes years of saving before families feel comfortable leaving their traditional job.  

This travel mom says there are ways to work while on the road. Some of the ways she recommends making money are through freelancing websites, online teaching opportunities, and contract jobs. Many traveling families use the internet to offer their services, whether digital printables, foreign language classes or photographs. 

This website has a lot of great information about different ways to prepare for traveling and the importance of perspective-changing financially. There are ways to save money while on the road and mentally prepare your family for a minimalist lifestyle. 

Here are a few of the ways parents make money on the road. 

Ways to Make Money Roadschooling 

Workamping 

Online writing 

Freelancing jobs 

Selling Digital Printables 

Virtual assistants 

Online tutoring or teaching 

Editing papers or articles 

8. Supplies Kids Need 

While many people love the idea of a minimalist travel lifestyle, there are some things kids need while they are learning on the road. Most families will need internet, books, tablets, and computers. Use the library, community centers, zoo, and museum resources to add to your stash. If you are in nature, kids can use things they find outside for projects and crafts. Consider Pinterest for more ideas for minimalist supplies for activities. 

9. Connecting With Other Roadschoolers 

There are different ways to stay connected with other families digitally. You probably won’t make tons of permanent long-term relationships on the road, but you can document traveling and connect with other homeschoolers on the web and at yearly camping events. There are many opportunities to socialize while traveling, and some families get together with other RV families for a mega get-together.

Social Media

Other families who roadschool are active in different online communities. There are some platforms like Facebook and Instagram that have roadschooling family profiles. Try searching within the forum for different groups to connect with by searching for roadschoolers or traveling families. Try using other hashtags to find families like you!

Here are a few Facebook communities.

RV homeschoolers

Roadschooling USA

Homeschool travelers

Roadschooling – Families Homeschooling on the Road

A couple online communities

Wild and Free Roadschoolers

Fulltime Families Roadschooling Branch

Thousand Trails

Family Travel Hashtags

#rvlifewithkids #rvlife #roadschoolers #roadschool #homeschool #fulltimefamilies #rvliving #fulltimetravel #travelfamily #fulltimefamily #fulltimervfamily #rvfamily #travelwithkids #homeiswhereyouparkit #travel #rvlivingwithkids #gorving #familyroadtrip #fulltimerv #digitalnomadfamily

Roadschooling Blogs 

Home • Nomads With A Purpose

Family Adventure For All

Travel Lifestyle | Adventure | Solo Travel | Homeschooling – Wanderschool

Weird Unsocialized Homeschooler – Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers (weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com)

Family Gap Year Guide – Travel full-time with your family

Home – The Crazy Outdoor Mama

How to travel full-time, make money on the road & roadschool via Wand’rly Magazine. (wandrlymagazine.com)

Final Words 

Now that you have read a bit more about the different things that go into this homeschool style, you can make some choices! Roaschooling is a fun option for families and a great way to experience different environments firsthand. There may be a lot of preparation that goes into it, but it is worth it. I hope this helped!

Sources 

• 7 Best Roadschool Groups For Successful Support On The Road (rvlife.com)
• 10 Easy Tips to Creating an Income to Afford Roadschooling in Your RV – The Crazy Outdoor Mama
• Are Homeschoolers Socially Awkward? – Mission Momplex
• Free Homeschool: No-Cost Homeschool Resources (thoughtco.com)
• Homeschooling: Which Model Is Right for You? – TheBestSchools.org
• Homeschool Laws By State (hslda.org)
• How Do You Afford Roadschool Travel Adventures? – Wanderschool
• HSLDA – Making homeschooling possible
• Roadschooling– Benefits, Challenges – Mission Momplex
• Roadschooling Preparation Guide – Mission Momplex
• Rules of the Road: How to Ensure You are Roadschooling Legally – Wonder Wherever We Wander (wordpress.com)
• Temperaments– Children, What they are, Importance – Mission Momplex
• The Truth About Roadschooling: Everything You Need To Know (getawaycouple.com)
• Umbrella schools – Pros and Cons – Classical Education and Curriculum Discussion at Memoria Press