Deschooling is a beautiful season of slowing down, and one of the most common questions I hear is, “But what do we do all day?” I get it I’m a major planner girly. I love making a plan and checking it off. So the idea of “doing nothing” while we relearn what education even is? Honestly, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve rounded up some gentle, real-life ideas to keep learning front and center during your deschooling season—without diving back into formal schoolwork.
Not sure what deschooling is yet? Read this post first and I promise it’ll all start to make sense.
Deschooling Through Language Arts
Language arts during deschooling doesn’t need a workbook instead, think stories, conversations, and meaningful connections through words. In fact, it’s probably the most natural subject to explore during this season. Language is simply a part of everyday life you really can’t get away from it! When we’re deschooling and I want to weave in some low-pressure learning, these eight simples, fun, and easy ideas are my go-to.
- Keep a nature journal—drawing, labeling, and describing things they observe
During deschooling, you may find yourself spending more time outside taking family walks, visiting parks, or simply slowing down enough to notice the world around you. Encouraging your child to keep a nature journal where they draw, label, and describe what they see is a gentle way to keep writing part of your days. It’s also a beautiful way to learn more about how your child observes, expresses, and connects with their environment. - Write letters or postcards to family and friends
Writing letters is such a fun and meaningful way to keep language skills fresh—without it feeling like “school.” We loved going all out with colorful envelopes, fun stickers, and even printing a few photos from our latest adventures to tuck inside. It became such a sweet part of our homeschool rhythm that we’re actually bringing it back for the 2025–2026 school year! - Start a family read-aloud tradition
If you haven’t already started reading aloud, now is the perfect time. Deschooling is all about reconnecting, and there’s something magical about gathering for a story. If you’re unsure why read-alouds matter so much, I highly recommend checking out The Read-Aloud Revival podcast or grabbing Sarah Mackenzie’s book The Read-Aloud Family. Trust me this simple habit can change everything. - Create silly stories together through storytelling or oral narration
If you’ve got littles, you know how wild their imaginations can get—and Momma, let it happen! Take turns building stories, adding wild details, and letting the plot twist in every direction. Storytelling is a beautiful, natural ability that’s easy to nurture in the early years especially during the deschooling process. Writing should be fun, not forced… and this is where that joy begins. - Act out a favorite story as a play
I still remember doing this in 3rd or 4th grade we were grouped up to recreate a scene from a book, and it was my absolute favorite project. I love bringing that same idea into our homeschool by encouraging my kids to put on a little play based on something we’ve read. It’s amazing to see how creative they get especially when it’s a story they really connected with! - Let your child create a comic strip
There are some great “make your own comic book” pages and printable templates out there, and my son loved drawing the pictures and creating his very own comic. We kept it in our picture book basket, and everyone still reads it to this day! Comic strips are a fun and low-pressure way to encourage storytelling, sequencing, and writing especially for visual learners. - Write and illustrate their own picture book
This is similar to making a comic book, but with a little more room for creativity and storytelling. My daughter especially loved this activity she spent hours crafting her story and even longer practicing her illustrations before carefully adding them to her book. It was such a sweet way to blend writing, art, and imagination at her own pace. - Keep a gratitude journal together
We started a gratitude journal, and it’s been such a sweet, grounding addition to our days. I think it’s so important to pause and thank God for the little things that bring joy whether it’s warm waffles or a giggle-filled walk. I want my kids to grow up with thankful hearts, and this simple habit has been a beautiful way to begin that journey together.
Deschooling with Everyday Math
One of the easiest ways to ease into homeschool math during deschooling is by weaving it into everyday life—no worksheets or flashcards required. I found that teaching math naturally came pretty easy, especially since my kids were still little every time we’ve gone through a deschooling season. Here are 7 simple ways we’ve worked math into our everyday routine without making it feel like “school.”
- Go grocery shopping with a budget
One of the first ways we started easing into math was just by including my kids in the grocery shopping process. We’d look at our 2-week meal plan and our $300 budget, then figure out what ingredients we still needed. They helped check the pantry, compare prices, and even look for sales or coupons. It was such a natural way to work in addition, subtraction, and problem-solving—without it feeling like a lesson. - Double or halve a recipe when baking together
Like I’ve mentioned before, my husband handles all the cooking in our house so he’s the one who brought the kids into the kitchen for hands-on math practice. Whether they were doubling a recipe or cutting it in half, it naturally led to conversations about fractions, measurements, and conversions. It was real-life math in action, and the best part? There was always something tasty at the end! - Play board games like Yahtzee, Monopoly, or store-bought math games
You just can’t beat a good board game. I love finding new math games to add to our collection, but honestly—so many of the games you probably already own include math without you even realizing it. From counting money in Monopoly to adding up dice in Yahtzee, these games sneak in math practice in the most fun, low-pressure way. (And if you’re looking for fresh ideas, I’ve got a whole list of our favorite educational math games!) - Estimate the total at checkout and compare it to the receipt
This is a great follow-up to involving your kids in grocery shopping, but it’s also perfect for quick trips to the gas station or when you’re out grabbing a meal or clothes. Have your kids try to estimate the total before you pay, then compare it to the actual receipt. It’s a simple way to practice estimation and mental math that feels natural—and it gets them thinking about numbers in everyday situations. - Sort coins or loose change and count totals
Sorting coins is such a simple, hands-on activity and my daughter absolutely loved it. She’d switch up which buckets the coins went into just for fun. Along the way, she learned to recognize each coin, their names, and how much they’re worth. It’s a small way to build confidence with money and counting, all while having a bit of playful sorting time. - Build with blocks or LEGO and talk about shapes, area, and symmetry
Symmetry activities can sometimes feel tricky, but they actually make for a fun little challenge! We’ve done this with all kinds of everyday items pattern blocks, LEGOs, craft sticks, even counting bears. It’s a great way to sneak in geometry concepts while kids are busy building and creating. - Take a measuring tape outside and measure leaves, sticks, or shadows
Honestly, just handing your kid a measuring tape is usually all it takes they’ll take it from there! My kids went all around the house and outside, measuring everything they could find and comparing sizes. It’s a simple way to get them curious about length, height, and numbers without any pressure.
Exploring Hands-On History Adventures
Exploring local history during your deschooling period can be a rich and rewarding way to connect with your community and bring the past alive for your kids. Depending on where you live, there are usually plenty of simple, local ways to weave history naturally into your deschooling days. Here are six of the ways we made history come alive in our own family.
- Visit a local historic site or landmark
Most towns have something whether it’s a small museum, an old train depot, a historic walking path, or even a statue with a plaque. During our deschooling season, we made time to slow down and explore our town’s history, and it ended up being such a rich learning experience. Sometimes the best lessons are found right in your own backyard. - Explore your town’s founding story or notable figures
When we started digging into our town’s past, I was surprised by how much we could find just by asking a few questions at the local library. The historical society and even some long-time residents had so much insight into the people who founded our town and the stories that shaped it. One of my favorite moments was introducing my kids to a librarian who clearly had a lifelong love of learning—it made the whole experience feel even more meaningful. - Check your library for historical artifacts, maps, or archives
Okay, you might be thinking I’m obsessed with the library—and you’re totally right! Ours had a surprisingly cool little section with artifacts, old maps, and local archives. We didn’t go in with a plan or checklist—we just explored and let our curiosity lead the way. Each of us found something different to wonder about, and that felt like a win. - Watch a family-friendly history documentary
One of the easiest wins during our deschooling phase was taking full advantage of all the history documentaries at our fingertips. Between our Disney+ subscription and YouTube, we had plenty to choose from. I was honestly surprised by how many little facts and historical tidbits my kids held onto just from watching something together on the couch. - Interview a grandparent about “what life was like when they were young”
Nothing brings history to life quite like hearing it straight from someone who lived it. Set up a cozy conversation with a grandparent or older neighbor and let your kids ask questions about childhood, school, technology, or even prices “back in the day.” It’s such a sweet way to build family connections and give kids a personal window into the past. - Compare items from the past vs. now (phones, cars, homes, etc.)
This activity turned into a surprisingly rich history lesson for my kids. They were fascinated seeing how phones, cars, and even living rooms looked decades ago — and just how much has changed over the years. We chatted about how these shifts reflect changes in culture, technology, and daily life, all while having fun comparing “then vs. now.”
Explore Social Studies with Community-Based deschooling Ideas
Exploring social studies during your deschooling time can be as simple as stepping outside your front door and discovering how your community works, serves, and grows together. Here are six easy ways to help your kids connect with the heart of your community!
- Tour your local mayor’s office, fire department, or library
These kinds of local tours are perfect for sparking curiosity and giving kids a glimpse into how their community works. We’ve toured our library (of course!), chatted with a fireman about his gear, and even peeked inside our town’s tiny mayor’s office. It’s low pressure, easy to arrange, and full of real-world learning especially when your kids get to ask their own questions. - Visit a post office and talk about how mail works
This was such a fun one for us during our deschooling phase! We chatted about how letters travel, watched packages get sorted, and even mailed a postcard to ourselves to see how long it would take. It’s a simple outing, but it helps kids understand systems and routines in the real world—plus, who doesn’t love getting mail? - Plan a field trip to the landfill, recycling center, or wastewater facility
It might not sound glamorous, but these behind-the-scenes places are eye-opening for kids and honestly, for us too. Seeing where our trash goes or how water is cleaned can spark some great conversations about responsibility, sustainability, and how our communities function. It’s a real-world science and civics lesson rolled into one. - Explore the role of community helpers through picture books or short videos
During our deschooling season, we leaned heavily on picture books and short videos to introduce big ideas in gentle ways. Learning about community helpers like nurses, farmers, sanitation workers, and police officers helped my kids see how everyone plays a part in making a town run smoothly. It also sparked some great pretend play and storytelling afterward! - Volunteer at a local food pantry or shelter
Volunteering gave us the chance to talk about real-world needs and the role of service in a functioning society. It opened the door to conversations about economics, community systems, and what it means to be a good neighbor. In many ways, this was the heart of our social studies during deschooling learning that every person matters and that even kids can serve and show kindness in impactful ways. - Create a pretend city at home with zones (residential, commercial, parks)
This was hands-down one of our most fun and memorable LEGO building sessions ever! We mapped out roads, made zoning decisions, and even debated where to put parks and schools—total city planner vibes. It sparked so many organic conversations about how cities work, what communities need, and how different parts of a town serve different purposes.
Deschooling with Curiosity-Led Science Activities
- Go on a nature walk and identify plants, bugs, or birds
One of the simplest and most refreshing ways to bring science into your deschooling days is by heading outside for a nature walk. Take your time noticing the plants, bugs, and birds around you, and encourage your kids to ask questions or make observations. It’s a beautiful way to slow down, spark curiosity, and connect with the natural world right in your own neighborhood. - Set up a weather station and record daily conditions
Setting up a simple weather station at home is a fun way to bring science into your daily routine without pressure or worksheets. Whether it’s tracking temperature, rainfall, or wind direction, this little project encourages observation skills and helps kids notice patterns in nature. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get outside regularly and talk about how weather affects our everyday lives. - Start a simple garden with herbs or vegetables
Planting a small garden is a wonderful hands-on way to bring science to life during your deschooling days. Whether it’s a few herbs on a windowsill or a small vegetable patch in the yard, watching seeds sprout and grow teaches patience, responsibility, and the basics of biology all while giving your kids a real sense of accomplishment. - Visit a science museum or planetarium
If you have one nearby, a trip to a science museum or planetarium can be a magical way add science to your deschooling season. These hands-on experiences let kids explore space, physics, biology, and more in ways that feel like pure fun not school. Plus, it’s a great family outing that brings learning and adventure together. - Watch animal live cams (zoos, aquariums, farm sanctuaries)
One of our favorite low-key science activities is tuning into live animal cams online. Whether it’s watching penguins waddle at the zoo, sea otters play at the aquarium, or rescued farm animals roam freely, these live streams offer a window into animal behavior and habitats without leaving your couch. It’s a peaceful and perfect for a quiet moment during your deschooling days. - Do kitchen science experiments (baking soda + vinegar, anyone?)
Kitchen experiments are a fantastic way to make science hands-on and exciting during deschooling. Simple combos like baking soda and vinegar create fizzing reactions that wow kids while teaching basic chemistry concepts. Plus, these experiments use everyday household items, making it easy to dive in anytime curiosity strikes! - Observe the moon each night and draw its phases
A little moon journal combines science, writing, and art into one simple, magical activity what more could you really need? Taking time each night to observe and draw the moon’s phases not only builds observation skills but also creates a peaceful routine that connects your kids with the rhythms of nature. It’s a gentle way to nurture curiosity and creativity during your deschooling season.
Art & Music
Art and music are such natural ways to nurture creativity and joy during your deschooling season no pressure, just plenty of opportunities to explore, express, and connect as a family. Here are seven ways we’ve naturally enjoyed and appreciated art and music together.
- Visit an art museum and talk about your favorite pieces
If you can, snag a membership to your local art museum it takes the pressure off trying to see everything in one visit and lets you really soak in a few favorite pieces at your own pace. We loved wandering through, pausing to chat about what we noticed and what stories the artwork might be telling. It’s a calm, inspiring way to introduce art appreciation during your deschooling days. - Try chalk art or watercolor painting outside
A classic for good reason chalk art and watercolor painting outside are super easy to set up and keep kids entertained for ages. We’ve spent so many sunny afternoons creating colorful masterpieces on the porch, and it’s such a joyful, low-pressure way to explore creativity. Honestly, 10/10 would recommend for any deschooling day! - Listen to different styles of music and draw how it makes you feel
Music is a huge part of our family life even if we’re not quite at the “play your own instruments” stage yet! Listening to all kinds of music styles, artists, and eras has been such a fun way to spark conversation and curiosity. We love seeing how different songs inspire my kids to draw their feelings, and it’s hilarious watching their playlists take shape as they decide what they love—and what they don’t. - Make instruments out of recycled items
Making little cardboard guitars, rain sticks, and other instruments from recycled materials kept my kids happily busy for days! Fair warning the house WILL be a bit messy afterward, but the creativity and joy were totally worth it. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to blend art, music, and eco-consciousness all in one fun project. - Have a family dance party with themed music (jazz night, classical morning)
Our family dance parties quickly became a favorite during deschooling my daughter especially loved them and is still trying to convince us to make them a regular part of our family night rotation! Picking themes like jazz nights or classical mornings adds a fun twist, and it’s such a joyful way to move, laugh, and bond together while exploring different music styles. - Watch a ballet, opera, or orchestra performance online
While nothing quite beats the magic of being there in person, watching ballet, opera, or orchestra performances online still brought a special kind of beauty and inspiration to our home. It’s an easy way to introduce kids to these art forms during deschooling, and we found ourselves moved by the music and stories even through a screen. - Make nature crafts from leaves, flowers, and pinecones
Gathering leaves, flowers, and pinecones for crafts was one of our favorite ways to bring creativity outdoors during deschooling. It’s simple, free, and gives kids a chance to notice the little details in nature while making beautiful, hands-on art. Plus, these projects often turn into cherished keepsakes or seasonal decorations around the house.
Deschooling is truly a unique and beautiful season a time to slow down, explore, and reconnect with learning in the most natural, joyful ways. Whether you’re wandering through local history, playing math games at the kitchen table, observing the moon, or dancing to jazz in the living room, each moment offers a chance to learn without pressure or formal lessons. These ideas are meant to inspire you to embrace curiosity, creativity, and connection during your deschooling days.
If you’re looking for more encouragement, support, and fresh ideas as you navigate this season, I’d love to invite you to join my free online community, In My Homeschool Era. It’s a warm, welcoming space where homeschool mamas share their journeys, swap tips, and cheer each other on. Click here to join us and keep your homeschool heart encouraged and inspired every step of the way!
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