What Counts as Learning? 25 Everyday Activities That Totally Do
One of the most freeing—and most surprising—parts of homeschooling is realizing just how much learning happens outside of a workbook. Especially in the early years, real, meaningful learning looks like conversation, curiosity, and everyday life.
If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering, “But are they actually learning anything?”—this post is for you.
Spoiler alert: They are. ❤️
Why We Need to Reframe Learning
Most of us grew up thinking that learning meant sitting still, filling out worksheets, and memorizing facts for a test. But that’s just schooling. Learning is something much deeper—and often much messier.
When we shift away from traditional models and begin to trust our children, we see that:
Movement helps the brain process
Play is packed with problem-solving
Real-world conversations teach more than lectures ever could
Joy and curiosity fuel lasting memory
Take a deep dive: What Deschooling Is — And Why It Matters More Than You Think
25 Totally Legit Learning Activities You’re Already Doing
🎲 Play-Based Learning
1. Building with LEGO or Magnatiles
2. Role-playing with dolls or costumes
3. Making up songs or dances
4. Creating a pretend restaurant/store
🍞 Real-Life Skills
5. Helping with baking (math + science!)
6. Grocery list planning and budgeting
7. Washing, folding, and sorting laundry
8. Caring for pets or plants
📚 Literacy and Language
9. Listening to audiobooks
10. Reading picture books aloud
11. Writing a letter to Grandma
12. Making up a story or comic
🌿 Science and Nature
13. Exploring the backyard or park
14. Starting a seed journal
15. Watching bugs, birds, or the sky
16. Asking “why” questions and researching together
📦 Organizing + Executive Function
17. Sorting toys by type or color
18. Packing for a trip or outing
19. Helping plan the daily routine
20. Cleaning up with a system or chart
🧠 Critical Thinking + Social Skills
21. Solving a jigsaw puzzle
22. Playing a board game
23. Watching and discussing a documentary
24. Negotiating a turn with a sibling
25. Asking deep questions about the world
✨ Bonus: Just being curious counts.
The Shift from Doing School to Living a Learning Life
Learning doesn't have to come in 30-minute blocks. It doesn’t need a binder. It can look like stirring pancake batter, asking why leaves change color, or re-reading the same book three days in a row.
So if you’re easing into homeschooling and wondering what counts—you’re probably doing more than you think.
And if you’re still in the “but what about math?” stage, we’ve got you. That’s coming soon. 😉
If you are having trouble making the shift, find out what type of homeschooler you are at heart.
Start Noticing, Not Measuring
Here’s a gentle practice:
This week, keep a sticky note or note app open and jot down all the unexpected learning moments you observe.
Then revisit the list at the end of the week and ask yourself:
Did we live a learning life this week?
Chances are, the answer will be yes.