Hands-on learning for homeschool families

With many families in the central Indiana area turning to homeschooling as an alternative educational track for their children, homeschool programming has also increased.

Jenny Lear, activities coordinator for Indy with Kids and homeschooling mom of two, shares some great activities for you to join if you’re a homeschool family OR if you know of other homeschooling families, as well.

Get ready to learn about the very first Thanksgiving through interactive, hands on exploration at Piney Acres Farm. Take a guided hayride through the tree fields and to the Indian corn field & pie pumpkin patch, where kiddos will pick their very own pie pumpkin or gourd and an ear of Indian corn. Learn to shuck corn, feed baby farm animals, enjoy a couple of menu items from the first feast and talk about Thanksgiving traditions that hold true today. Your day afternoon will end at the Gem Mine where kids will mine for different minerals that Native Americans used for survival, from cooking to building and weapons. This has been a popular event so we can anticipate future homeschool events at Piney Acres.

Each month on the last Monday, there’s a free themed story time and craft at Main Event Entertainment lead by Fundamental Books. This group is best for preschool through 3rd grade. While you’re there, get some of your exercise and socialization in with a game of bowling or laser tag.

The Indianapolis Public Library offers a program called Homeschool Adventures. Homeschooled children ages 6 – 12 are invited for activities designed to entertain and educate as a supplement to their homeschool curricula.

The Monon Community Center through Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation offers a homeschool gym time and a homeschool swim time.

To learn more, visit www.IndyWithKids.com.