8 Non-Sport Activities For Homeschool Kids

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Extra-curricular activity choices for homeschool kids are increasing all the time.  When I began homeschooling, living in a small town, there were very few group activities to join.  Now, you don’t have to live in a big city to be overwhelmed with choices for your kids.

Since sports for homeschoolers are well-known and promoted, I’m going to focus on non-athletic activities.  I’m certainly not against playing sports, and my children played most of them.  But, I would like to point out some other fun and educational opportunities.

1. Music

    Music includes: Singing, Choir, Band, Orchestra, Private Lessons, Group Lessons

    Music training/education is proven to benefit children in many ways, including intelligence.  I’m 

    partial to music, because my first degree is in music.  At various times, my children enjoyed every

    one of these categories.

2. Drama

    Drama can include: Co-Op Drama groups, Community theater classes and productions, and more 

    advanced training/acting.  My child enjoyed acting in a local Co-Op play.  It turned out to be a very

    positive experience and she made many new friends.

3. Art

    Art can include: Art classes, Arts and Crafts groups/classes, Community Art classes, and private

    study.  You might find classes in your Park & Rec. department, Fine Arts organizations, Summer 

    Camps, Art Gallery classes/exhibits, and Private Pottery stores.

4. Cook

    Cooking is a wonderful skill that is important for children to learn.  Many times, Co-Ops will have

    a cooking class or group.  Cooking clubs or classes can be found at your local Park and Rec. and 

    online.  You could even start one for your homeschool group.

5. Sew

    Sewing can include: Basic-Advanced sewing, knitting, and other creative pursuits.  

    Sewing is a skill that isn’t used as much as it was in the past.  Fabric stores, quilting stores, and 

    private teachers offer sewing lessons.  

6. Photography

Photography is a fun and creative activity.  Photography classes can sometimes be found at your local Park and Rec. Dept. Private photography classes can be found through Art foundations or with private instructors.

7. Dance

    Dance can include any style of dance instruction.  Many children study: ballet, tap, jazz, modern,

    Irish Step, country, ballroom, and others.  My child took dance lessons for many years.  Her 

    favorites were ballet and Irish Step.  This is a very physical activity and provides many physical

    benefits.  It also helps with creativity, good behavior, and self-esteem. 

8. Clubs

    Clubs can include: Book clubs, Debate, Chess, 4H, Scouts, Nature, Religious, Academic teams,

    and Service clubs.  My children participated in: book, debate, chess, and religious clubs.  Religious

    clubs, such as Awana, offered wonderful chances to memorize Scripture.  Chess clubs made 

    playing chess fun and competitive.  Book clubs offered great social experiences as well as 

    improvement in their reading comprehension abilities.  Debate club provided a huge boost in

    academic preparation for college, working in groups, competition and social fun.  The focus

    on research and presentations really helped the child be ready for college classes.

I love all of these ideas and you may have some awesome ones that worked great in your homeschool family.  What were your favorites?  If you live in an area that doesn’t offer an activity that your child is interested in, create it yourself.  Many homeschool parents create a group, because it will be helpful to their child.  It’s easy to do that, too.  Advertise it through your local groups and have a blast!

Here are some of our family’s favorite Homeschool Resources!

@2018, copyright Lisa Ehrman