It’s kind of ironic. When we began homeschooling, one of the things we talked about the ability to go outside as we please and to learn from nature. Now that the kids are older, we tend to get so involved in the ins and outs of homeschooling that we forget to go outside. Hours of algebra, history, chemistry, and Spanish equals too much time spent in front of the computer and not enough time spent outdoors.
Back when they were elementary school students, they could finish all of their work in a couple of hours and spend the rest of the day reading lazily on the deck or running around outside. As high school students, the lure of green grass and the shining sun are apparently overrated. They actually respond like they are being punished when I tell them to go outside.
But, it is so important for homeschoolers to get out of the house. A recent study from Boston researchers shows that kids who spend more time outside have better eyesight.
“About a third of Americans suffer from myopia, said study author Jane Gwiazda, director of research at The New England College of Optometry. The rates are much higher in some parts of Asia… The condition seems to be caused by both genetics and the environment, Gwiazda said. The condition is more common in people who engage in a lot of “near work” due to their jobs, she said.”
Being outside causes you to look further in the distance which fights against progression of Myopia.
Children who stay indoors are also more apt to be obese for lack of strenuous physical activity.
According to the Department of Natural Resources in Michigan, children need to be saved from “Nature Deficit Disorder”. They should learn to fish, camp, identify flowers, catch fireflies, and the like.
Older homeschooelers are probably past making nature journals for science, collecting bugs, and running barefoot through the glass. Still, they can benefit from the fresh air, vitamin D, and just plain freedom from the “classroom” and change of pace.
You can force them back outside by planning trips to local nature reserves, by spending more time outside as a family with daily walks and picnic meals, or by setting up a comfortable area outside where they can study.
If you liked this you should also read my blogs at the home blog, the parents blog, and the frugal blog. You can read my recent posts here.
Also read:
* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
Walking to the Fall with Both Eyes Open