10 Creative Ways Grandparents Strengthen Your Homeschool

Believe it or not, four years ago I had three grandparents still alive. I was in my late twenties when the first of my grandparents passed on, and in my late thirties before another followed. So I consider myself quite lucky, as my daughters have been able to have relationships with three of their great-grandparents. Choosing to homeschool has allowed these relationships to grow stronger than I had imagined possible.

My girls have always enjoyed visiting with their great-grandparents. My youngest also loves the opportunity to perform on her violin. When my grandfather became sick four years ago, I brought my girls to visit him in the care facility a few times a week. This not only brought joy to him but allowed my girls the opportunity to serve as well. More than once, we would bring our homeschool materials, and I would have my grandfather participate with us. He would give spelling words or listen to one of them read. Of course there were the special memories of Coca-Cola and chocolate bars he would always bring out for them. Together they found new memories that included drawing on the care facility’s very durable toilet paper and drinking instant hot cocoa with flavored creamers. They even made complex structures from the coffee stirrers.

I am also blessed to have parents who are retired school teachers. They both are very active in our homeschool. I know I can depend on them to give suggestions and help guide us as we continue on this journey. My mother also helps by taking one of my daughters for an afternoon each week. She rotates which daughter she takes, which allows me to spend one-on-one time with each child alone. During this time my mother also helps out with curriculum that might be difficult for the child (or, quite frankly, me).

I truly believe this older generation strengthened our homeschool. So here are 10 creative ways you can incorporate grandparents into your homeschool:

1. Have your child read to them (or have them read to your child).

2. Have your child interview them, learning how to ask a variety of questions.

3. Invite grandparents to participate in field trips.

4. Create a family tree; explore family history.

5. Have a grandparent teach your child a skill (i.e. sewing, cooking, etc.).

6. Do special crafts together.

7. Grandparents can help financially with a cost of a class or lessons.

8. Encourage grandparents to babysit so you are able to have one-on-one time with each child.

9. Have grandparents teach curriculum for which they are knowledgeable.

10. Volunteer together.

I am certain this is only a fraction of the list that could be created. I am aware that life circumstances prevent some from having relationships with their grandparents. However, there are always older church members who would be happy to interact with your children. Volunteering at senior centers or skilled nursing centers can also enhance your homeschool.

Grandparents have so much love to give their grandchildren. Incorporating grandparents into your homeschool environment is a unique opportunity to broaden the quality of education you can offer your child. Their special relationship will also provide extraordinary moments that they will treasure for a lifetime.

Michelle Martin was born into a musical family and has been teaching music for over 20 years. Besides teaching piano and voice, Michelle is a performer, a choir director, a writer, a composer, and a homeschool mom. Most recently she has published three music curricula through Schoolhouse Teachers. Music has always been a passion for Michelle, and she believes exposing a child to music is just as important as learning math or science. Michelle lives with her husband, Jim, two daughters, Zoe and Eva, and a myriad of furry and aquatic friends.