Classroom in the Car: Using Driving Time as Teaching Time

Most of us spend more time in our vehicles than we'd like too. Don't see this as wasted time. See it as a no-pressure learning time.

Create Routines:

Whenever we get into the car I say O.K. friends, what is today?" We sing the days of the week song. (Often incorrectly so the four-year can correct us.) We continue by reviewing the months and talking about the current month, the season, the weather and so on. Then we list in order where we're going and why.

Using the Drive:

You can use the riding experience to point out when you are turning left or right, street signs and what they mean, street names or mile measurements.

You can point of the time on the digital clock to younger kids and ask older kids to tell you the time. It is fun to let young children watch and alert you when the time changes. You can challenge older kids to let you know when the clock hits a specific time.

I put post it notes on my dash with lists of things I should review with my kids. For example, for my daughter, 8, "review 7 continents, homophones" and for my son, 4, "talk about birth date, phone number."

Games:

You can play games like "what makes the animal sound," "what starts with letter," or "what rhymes with..." You can also make of game of reviewing times tables, state capitals, spelling words and so on. Remember, taking a turn with YOU having to answer their questions makes it a game. Otherwise, it is just a drill session. Here are some excellent ideas for Spelling & Punctuation Games you can play in the car by A. Hermitt. (These ideas are S-U-P-E-R-B!)

Listening tapes & CDs:

Listening to stories on tape builds vocabulary & concepts and improves reading skills. Your local library has many books on tape or CD. Our family's absolute favorites are the "Hank the Cow Dog" series written and read by John R. Erickson. In the car is also a good time to use book and tape sets so that your kids can listen to the story and "read" along.

Music:

Don't forget the music. Take turns choosing favorite sing-a-long songs. Browse your library's music tape/CD section for old favorites, teaching songs and new selections.