WHAT TO DO IF YOUR KID IS BORED | 5 Solutions to Add to Your Homeschool Today
Get outside everyday.
We’ve all heard it—
“1,000 hours outside! You have to do it this year!”
Yes, it’s a great idea, but I find the expectation is a bit, well, unachievable.
But that doesn’t mean getting outside is a bad idea! I was homeschooled growing up, and I can tell you with 100% certainty that I learned SO much from playing outside. Whether it was something structured like a game of soccer, gardening, or outside chores, or even something unplanned like playing in the creek, drawing with chalk, or jumping rope, I learned some of the best life lessons that I still remember through playing outside.
Still wanting a bit more structure then just “play outside”? Check out this Texture Scavenger Hunt Blog post!
BORED KID SOLUTION #1 — GET OUTSIDE
2. Set up independent work stations.
You are not your child’s entertainer—although it may not always feel like that. Give your kids the gift of independence by setting up areas with activities that they can go to without help or permission.
Here’s a list of ideas!
TOP 3 SUGGESTIONS:
-Rainy Day Independent Craft Projects ($3.00)
-Fox Independent Directed Drawing Packet ($1.00)
-Continent Three-Part Cards, Montessori World Study (FREE)
BORED KID SOLUTION #2 — SET UP INDEPENDENT WORK STATIONS
3. Teach core subjects through STEAM.
Has your child ever been so excited for school that they run to the kitchen table to get started? If you haven’t, try teaching through the STEAM method!
Steam stands for SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART, and MATH.
This intrigues children way more than fact-absorption because it’s hands-on. Kids feel like they can truly understand the concept, and it come naturally when put into project form.
Here’s a video I use to explain one of my STEAM classes. This should give you a taste of why this method WORKS!
Third Grade Online Class about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math
Here’s some ways you can incorporate each element of STEAM to get rid of that boredom!
-SCIENCE—teach science through hands-on projects.
-TECHNOLOGY—grab a binary or morse code puzzle to include in your independent stations.
-ENGINEERING—print off challenges for your kids to problem-solve. These use legos and other items from around your house! (FREE)
-ART—to check understanding in any subject, assign an art project instead of a test or quiz.
-MATH—view math through hands-on learning with these activities.
4. Invest in their interests.
Let your kids guide their own education. If your child really loves Roblox, teach through that lens! Here are some practical ways you can use hot topics with elementary kids to drive away boredom with education.
-TikTok—complete a project about social media!
-Animals—grab themed resources to engage your students.
-Food—help them create their own restaurant and learn math at the same time!
I can’t possibly cover all interests of elementary kids, so pop your suggestions in the comments below!
BORED KID SOLUTION #4 — INVEST IN THEIR INTERESTS
5. Let them be bored.
Remember when I said you’re not your child’s entertainer? So many times we feel like bad parents or educators when we hear the words, “But I’m bored!”
But boredom can be a gift, just like independence.
Responding with, “Try to find something to do in the next 5 minutes by yourself. If you can’t find something to do after this 5 minute timer goes off, I’ll help you.”
You’ll be surprised how many times your child will forget because they’ve become engrossed in an activity!
And as you incorporate steps #1-4 from the above information, you’ll find that you hear that cringy phrase less and less.
BORED KID SOLUTION #5 — LET THEM BE BORED!
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