Life Skill Learning Activities for Kids
Can your child find their way home? If you left your child miles from their home, with no phone, and no map, would they find their way back? This was the question that drove me to challenge my 9 and 11-year-old boys to find their way back home from a local area we frequented. Without prior warning, I threw them into a situation where they had to rely on their surroundings and instincts rather than the usual back-seat comforts. It was clear that they were largely oblivious to their environment and had little understanding of navigating in a car. After the initial surprise, they began negotiating the rewards they would receive if they successfully navigated their way back home.
You could see the gears in their brains go to work. The challenge was accepted! I committed to go wherever they told me. It was their job to get us home. The circles they took me in and the way they tried to figure out street names and landmarks were quite comical and educational. I learned so much about what they knew versus what I thought they knew.🤦🏾♀️😀
I added the Directions Section to our most popular writing resource for Middle Schoolers, The Ultimate Handwriting Practice and Life Skills Workbook, because of this experience. As their primary educator, I saw firsthand the gaps in this important life skill. (They got us home, but it was messy! We laughed a lot. And they got milkshakes out of the deal.)
I occasionally challenge them to find their way home from places further away and from different directions to sharpen their awareness/observation skills. It also helps me to see what they know and how they reason. The whole thing proves to be quite entertaining.
Have you ever challenged your child to find their way home without the help of the GPS/ phone? If you decide to try it, tag @that_homeschool_life and hashtag #Getushomefromherechallenge so we can hear or see how it goes.
The Importance of Life Skills Learning
As a homeschool parent, I have come to realize the undervalued importance of teaching life skills to children. While academic subjects are undoubtedly crucial, mastering practical life skills is often overlooked in traditional education. My own experience with my children uncovered significant gaps in their knowledge of essential life skills.
Simple yet vital tasks such as knowing who to contact in emergencies, effective planning, list-making, meal preparation, signature mastery, completing applications, formal letter writing, and addressing envelopes were areas in which my children lacked exposure. These are not daily activities, but they are undeniably important for navigating the real world.
To address this need, I have designed a workbook that integrates these life skills into interesting and engaging lessons for children- upper elementary and middle schoolers. By doing so, I aim to make life skills learning both enjoyable for kids and convenient for parents. By incorporating these practical skills into their education, we can better prepare our children for the challenges and responsibilities they will face as they grow and venture into the world beyond the classroom.
Shop the Ultimate Handwriting Practice and Life Skills Workbook to help close the gap in your student’s learning.
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As a homeschooling mom for more than 9 years, I have created most of the curriculum for my boys, who are now in 7th and 9th grade. I am excited to share my curriculum ideas through my blog, workbooks, guides, and workshops. Join The Home Educator’s Hub to learn how to develop your own unique curriculum in our free Curriculum Development Course.
I offer both free and paid resources, as well as curriculum ideas, in the areas of English Language Arts, Performing Arts, Biblical Studies, History, and High School Planning. You can find my store through the link provided and stay in touch with me through my website or Instagram.