I’m not anti-technology, but I didn’t want to depend on it in our homeschooling. I really wanted our focus to be first on books and reading, writing, and physical workbooks. But, now that we’re in our 3rd year (I can’t believe I’m saying that! Didn’t we just start?!) I have added in a few different types of technology that we use to supplement what we’re learning.
Apps
This is the first year we’ve added in using apps on our Kindle fire to our homeschool day. But, they have become really helpful in teaching, and a fun way for Steven to get “screen time” while still learning.
The Squeebles Spelling app has been GREAT! It has spelling tests pre-loaded and downloadable so your child can practice common spelling words. But, the best part is that I can pre-load in our own spelling words each week. I type them in, record myself saying them, and then I can say “practice your spelling words,” and Steven just grabs the Kindle and does it on his own every morning. In the teacher mode I can also see which words he’s struggling with, the grades he’s gotten on each test, and see if he’s actually practicing them. I think it’ll run you about $4.99 but it’s worth it because there’s no ads, they can’t go online from it, and the fact that I can put in my own words each week was the kicker for me.
{I’m on the lookout for a great Math app and would love your recommendations! Most are either too easy, or too advanced. I’m willing to pay a few bucks, so let me know your favorites!}
STEAM
If you have a Nintendo Switch system, I highly recommend getting Nintendo LABO. They have several different kits to choose from- I think we have 3 of them. They are really fun! You build different things out of cardboard (they provide) following their directions, you can then decorate them or use them as they are, then you use what you’ve built to play different games on your switch system. We use them as STEAM in our homeschool because we’re building, being crafty/artistic, and then using them for technology. Some of the builds are actually quite hard and take several hours- so sometimes my Husband helps. But my son has also built several on his own. They provide hours of entertainment, but they don’t feel like learning. And if you love Nintendo like we do, they’re definitely worth adding to your collection!
Online Courses
I like to think I can to it all, but that’s just not the case. And the great thing about homeschooling is that we can look for help in all sorts of different places. Since we’re only in 2nd grade, I haven’t ventured too far into online classes yet- but Steven does take a keyboarding class once a week and he’s been loving it. We started Keyboarding Without Tears last year, and it has been an excellent tool for our homeschool. It has fun little mini games and challenges to help your child become familiar with using a keyboard. It teaches them proper typing techniques and helps them gain confidence and skills when using a computer. It’s also very affordable and I can keep track of his progress on there as well. Since we already buy the Handwriting Without Tears book each year, it made sense too because I could bundle them and save more money. Which is always a bonus in my book!
Documentaries
Documentaries are great- especially for Science class. I just head over to Netflix and type in ‘Birds’ for example and we can usually find a Life, Planet Earth, etc that goes over the topics that we’re learning. These are especially helpful for days we’re not feeling hot, it’s rainy, or we need to rest. Steven LOVES watching them- and I love that he’s actually learning something while watching tv. Win/win!
What are some ways you use technology in your homeschool?
Check out some other Homeschool Supplements we use along with our BookShark curriculum.
