Projects are a brilliant way to turn passions into learning – especially for neurodivergent kids who thrive when things are practical, flexible, and fun.
Project Ideas for Homeschoolers
Homeschool projects are a fantastic way to keep learning fun, hands-on, and deeply engaging. Whether it’s designing LEGO cars, building a rally cross racing game, or diving into real-world history, projects can capture your child’s interests and turn them into meaningful learning experiences.
Science and Engineering Projects
Hands-On Science and Engineering
Build simple machines like marble rollercoasters or walking robots – we’ve loved Kiwi Crates for this kind of hands-on learning. My boys have made everything from ukuleles to model robots over the years.
Create mini ecosystems in jars, grow crystals, or experiment with kitchen chemistry for a bit of messy, memorable learning.
For the more tech-minded, try building a robot or coding a simple AI project.
LEGO Engineering
My younger son loves designing custom LEGO cars in Bricklink Studio, where he creates digital builds, designs instruction manuals, and then brings his creations to life. If your kids are LEGO fans, this can be a brilliant way to build their engineering and problem-solving skills.
Tips for Neurodivergent Kids
Use clear, step-by-step instructions with lots of visuals.
Include sensory elements like fizzy reactions, textures, and bright colours.
Break projects into smaller, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm.
Creative and Artistic Projects
Creative Writing and Storytelling
Encourage storytelling through poems, short stories, or graphic novels.
Create a family newsletter, blog, or comic strip based on their latest interests.
Use “doodle notes” or visual storytelling for kids who prefer to draw their ideas.
Game and App Design
My older son designed a popular rally cross racing game on Roblox, handling everything from the logo to the interface design and coding. This kind of project can be a fantastic way to blend art, logic, and storytelling.
Tips for Neurodivergent Kids
Use writing prompts based on their favourite topics (dinosaurs, Minecraft, space).
Let them dictate their stories if writing is a struggle, or try speech-to-text apps.
Break writing into small, daily chunks to avoid overwhelm.
DIY Art Projects
Create custom bookmarks, posters, or digital artwork.
Use a variety of mediums like watercolours, clay, or mixed media to keep things interesting.
Turn their creations into gifts or display them around the house for a confidence boost.
Tips for Neurodivergent Kids
Set up a dedicated creative space to reduce distractions.
Offer choices in materials and styles to give them control over the project.
History and Social Studies
Historical Timelines and Real-World Experiences
Use a History Timeline Notebook to track everything from the creation of aviation companies to volcanic eruptions – we’ve used ours to record everything from car launches to major historical events.
Visit local landmarks or even your local court. We once sat in on a real case where a court officer kindly gave us documents explaining each role in the courtroom. It was a brilliant, hands-on experience for the boys.
Virtual Field Trips
Explore famous landmarks and historical sites online.
Use 3D tours or documentaries for a more immersive experience.
Tips for Neurodivergent Kids
Use physical props, costumes, or sensory elements to make history come alive.
Keep sessions short and focused, with plenty of breaks for movement.
Real-World Maths and Practical Life Skills
Real-World Maths
Get practical with projects like adding up plates at a sushi train – something we used to do regularly when the boys were younger. It’s a great way to reinforce mental maths in a real-world setting.
Plan a family budget, set up a pretend store, or design a board game that involves counting money and making change.
Tips for Neurodivergent Kids
Use physical, hands-on materials like coins, counters, or real money to make maths concrete.
Turn it into a game or challenge to keep things fun.
Other Project Ideas
Cooking and Practical Life Skills
Explore recipes from different cultures or bake favourite family treats.
Use real-world maths, like adding up sushi train plates, to practice mental maths.
DIY Escape Room
Design a themed escape room for siblings or friends, complete with puzzles, codes, and clues.
Photography
Explore the basics of photography, like framing, lighting, and perspective.
Create a nature or family photo album as a keepsake.
Tips for Neurodivergent Kids
Use physical, hands-on elements like mixing, kneading, or decorating.
Provide structure with checklists and clear steps.
Use themes based on their current interests for maximum engagement. With planes being a current obsession they are photographing a lot of planes!!
Tips for Choosing Projects
Follow Their Interests: Pick projects based on their current obsessions, whether it’s LEGO cars, Roblox games, or creative writing.
Make It Hands-On: Use physical objects and interactive activities for more engagement.
Break It Down: Use visual aids, checklists, or timers to keep projects manageable.
Keep It Flexible: Be prepared to pivot if their interests shift.
Make It a Family Affair: Get siblings involved or make it a collaborative project for the whole family.
