Balancing Homeschooling and Disney Magic
Homeschooling and frequent Disney trips—how do we manage it all? The key lies in balance and prioritizing what’s most important for our family: education and making unforgettable memories together. Here’s a peek into how we do it and some tips that might work for your family too!
Our Homeschooling Routine
Our week has two days at a homeschool co-op where our kids get to interact with other children and participate in group learning activities. The co-op days are filled with structured lessons, socialization, and fun projects. We love that our kids can learn in a community setting while still having the flexibility that homeschooling provides.
On the other two days, we do schoolwork at home. These are more relaxed, hands-on days where we focus on subjects that our kids need extra help with or want to dive deeper into. We mix in plenty of creative activities, like art, science experiments, and reading sessions. The flexibility of homeschooling allows us to tailor our days to our kids' interests and learning styles.
Why We Choose to Homeschool 4 Days a Week
One of the biggest perks of homeschooling is that it doesn’t have to happen 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. We believe in quality over quantity. Our kids get a full, rich education in those four days, and we still have plenty of time left for family adventures.
Plus, having Fridays free gives us the perfect opportunity to head to Disney when the parks are less crowded. We get to enjoy the magic without the weekend rush, and the kids see it as a special treat after a week of learning.
Making the Most of Disney Trips
Disney isn’t just fun; it’s also a fantastic learning environment! Here’s how we blend education with our Disney trips:
EPCOT’s World Showcase: We turn it into a global geography lesson. The kids love learning about different countries, trying out new languages, and tasting international foods.
Animal Kingdom: It’s the ultimate hands-on science class! From learning about endangered species to exploring different ecosystems, our kids soak up knowledge while having a blast.
Hollywood Studios: We dive into the art of storytelling and film. The kids are fascinated by the behind-the-scenes magic of their favorite movies and shows.
Tips for Balancing Homeschooling and Fun
Plan Ahead: We schedule our homeschool week so that by Thursday, most of our lessons are done, leaving Friday open for Disney.
Integrate Learning: Use Disney as an extension of your homeschool curriculum. Whether it’s a history lesson at the Hall of Presidents or a science lesson at Pandora – The World of Avatar, there’s so much educational value in the parks.
Stay Flexible: Sometimes life (or a Disney deal!) will throw you a curveball. Be open to shifting your schedule when opportunities arise.
Our approach may not work for everyone, but it’s been a game-changer for our family. We’re giving our kids an education that’s as unique as they are, filled with experiences they’ll remember forever. If you’re looking to blend homeschooling with some Disney magic, our full Disney Homeschool guide is coming soon, with worksheets and activities included!
