Just fielded a question the other day about what homeschoolers can do after they finish their “school work.”  Without some kind of plan, our kids begin to act a bit crazy.  :-)   Let’s face it, we know that we don’t need a 6-7 hour day to complete school when we are working with our kids at home.  So what do you do with those extra hours?

Some ideas for after school activities for homeschoolers:

1. Get them involved in classes at a local science museum, art school, gymnastics training center, etc.
2. Have them get involved in the meal planning. I often have my kids plan out our menu for the week.  Then, we hit the grocery store, pick up the supplies they need and get them involved in budgeting, coupons and finances.  So in those afternoon hours (when we aren’t at art classes or sports), they are in charge of making dinner.  Of course, my nine year old needs me by her side, but she is the “boss of me” in the kitchen and my older ones can take charge and work pretty much without me–very nice!
3. Organize “homeschool classes.“ These don’t have to the formal “homeschool support group” kind of classes.  They can just be fun classes that interest you and your kids.  I love to teach writing so we invited a few other homeschool families for a writing club each week.  I would make up fun little lessons on the various kinds of writing and the kids would have a share their writing with others.
4. Sponsor  academic “competitions” in your home (just informal little games with a group of kids–nothing huge).  We like to do math and spelling games for homeschoolers.  This gets my kids involved in planning (which is a great learning tool in itself as they figure out what concepts we will cover) and keeps them busy as we prepare flash cards, bingo boards for spelling and other creative little games.  And of course it all pays off when their friends (and mine) arrive.
5. Take a trip to the library. If your kids are old enough, they can explore their stacks while you explore yours or settle down on a couch to do some reading of your own.  Many libraries have programs for kids as well so look for those opportunities in your area.
6. Exercise. A Zoomba or other fun dance aerobics video, DDR on the video game console,  a weight bench or Total Gym, basketball hoop, etc.  Lots of ways to get them involved in regular exercise that will give the brain a quick shot of adrenaline.
7. Enjoy a lazy afternoon. (I do enjoy these).  My kids can earn a 1/2 hour of media for every 1/2 hour of reading, so we have a good mix on those lazy days when we aren’t booked up with something else.

But do be careful not to over schedule yourself.  Those quiet days are so important to warding off the stress that an overbooked week can bring!

For more on over scheduling, check out Homeschool Mistake Number One: Over Scheduling in my 10 Mistakes Every Homeschooler Makes series.

A2zhomeschooling has more homeschooling ideas for after school.