One of the biggest challenges homeschoolers face is the struggle to provide socialization for their kids without burning out mom or the budget. On top of that we want our kids to have hands-on project based learning experiences but those are so time consuming for the homeschool parent as well.
As a mom of 9 who has homeschooled for 18 years, I have lived first hand the challenge of trying to cultivate an enriching education for each of our kids. It can be very time and energy intensive as a parent to be driving from place to place…regularly trying new things and meeting new groups of people…especially if you have multiple children or live a distance from homeschool community.
Recently, we had the chance to try out a new online platform for kids ages 8-15 that is designed to meet both of those needs…making friends and working on projects and hobbies guided by experts.
We have taken many other online classes on popular websites, so I sort of expected this to be like the others….Pay the fee…sign up for class…show up for class…Done.
It was NOT the same. Let me tell you about Reccess.gg….a venue that feels more like a private membership club for kids than standard online classes.
** This is a sponsored post. I received this product or compensation for review purposes only and was compensated for my time. I was not asked nor required to share a positive review; all opinions are my own. READ DISCLAIMER HERE for more information.
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What Is Recess.gg?
Recess.gg is a membership platform where students ages 8-15 can socialize, collaborate and build with other students in a safe, small-group environment with a subject-specialized guide to help them work on their projects and ideas.
As a mom of many, I have often struggled to keep up with my kids unique interests and passion projects. Homeschooling can be a great way to learn new things alongside your kids, but I had trouble keeping up with their diverse interests. In my house, I had kids wanting to learn the violin, another wanting to build rockets and potato guns and another pursued programming interests…all while there were 6 other siblings who had their own interests. There is only one of me!
On top of that, at some point, kids and teens really do want to pursue their interests with someone that is not mom. It’s a part of growing up…learning to be around other people, ask questions and share what they are learning and trying.
How Recess.gg Helps with Socialization
Homeschool socialization is often the subject of jokes and banter when families have a large community to spend time with, but for many, just finding one friend for their child can be a huge challenge. Many tears have been cried over loneliness in the homeschool space.
Growing up, one of my own biggest struggles was making friends and knowing how to act in different social situations. It didn’t happen easily. But as an adult, one of my big “realizations” was that it was so much easier to make friends when I was doing something together with other people with whom I had something in common.
Use Recess.gg To Make Friends!
If we are learning or doing alongside each other, then talking is easier and friendship happens almost by default.
One of my sons doesn’t know a stranger…but sort of struggles with being OVERYLY social…not knowing the limits and boundaries.
So when we had a chance to try Recess.gg with my son Bob who is 10, I was curious to see how it would go for him.
Here is what I saw in the classes that he took:
- In the drama class where he was already strong in the core content, he naturally connected with people and made friends easily. He also was given pointers to improve. He had a great time because he already loves the subject…and he gained confidence because he improved even more.
- In the math games class, he is learning and practicing something that is a much weaker area. In fact, he would say he isn’t good at math. But what I saw and heard was subject being presented, tools being given and then the math was gamified. I heard Bob saying, “Wait…I know this. I know how to solve this. I can do this!” Over and over for an hour I heard him shouting that he thought he could figure it out! This is the kids that “isn’t good at math.” So in this class, his weaknesses were supported, the content had the stress reduced and he became so much more confident in math!
Using Recess.gg For Project Based Learning
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method where students learn by actively exploring real-world problems and challenges through extended, hands-on projects. It emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and applying knowledge to meaningful tasks.
In the homeschool space, most parents want to include project-based learning, but it can sometimes be difficult to implement consistently simply because it is so much more time consuming for the parents…especially with young children in the house.
Recess.gg steps in to be part of the solution.
- Students have the opportunity to pick from a wide variety of projects based classes to connect with other students who have similar interests.
- In those weekly classes, they may work on skills needed for their projects, the projects themselves…or they may share what they are learning and doing with the group.
I think one of the best parts of Recess.gg are the subject guides that actually know and understand the topics kids and teens enjoy. Because they can engage and lead the conversation, they actually tap into that inner motivation in our kids that pushes them to keep working and improving on their own.
What We Took On Recess.gg
Recess.gg has a TON of really unique classes on their platform...things that really are tailored for the unique interests of each child. There are so many cool options that those who haven’t been able to “find their people” before will definitely be able to plugin now!
When we first joined Recess.gg, I was slightly overwhelmed. There were so many choices and the process of working with a guide to set up different class choices was all new and unfamiliar. My son Bob is not super techy but he is very relational. He was very excited to see some options where he could consistently talk to kids week after week in class.
Drama Playground
Drama Playground is a lively, interactive class where kids explore acting, storytelling, and public speaking through imaginative games and role-play. Each session builds confidence and creativity while helping students improve their communication and collaboration skills. With expert guidance and opportunities for live showcases, kids get to have fun while developing essential life skills. It’s a fantastic outlet for expressive learners who love to perform and connect with others.
Bob loves drama in real life. He has been in a few plays in our homeschool group, but didn’t get to do one this year. I love that in this class with Eliana, he has been able to practice different elements of drama production, practice inflecting his voice and generally improving communication.
Quest: Team Strategy Math Games
Quest is a game-based learning experience where students tackle custom strategy games designed to teach real-world math, logic, and communication skills. From managing virtual investments to navigating courtroom drama, kids play and learn in collaborative teams. The games are dynamic, fun, and even adapt based on player feedback. It’s a great way for kids to build confidence in math while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
This class as an unexpected surprise for us. I was trying to sign up for the “non techy” classes and Quest met a time we could join the class. Bob will often say that he “Isn’t good at Math” but in this class, his confidence has surged. Whether they are playing math games or playing a court room game, I hear him shouting answers…no tears, no frustration….he LOVES this class and always looks forward to the next time!
Recess Community Hour
Recess Community Hour is a casual, member-included space where kids can connect through shared interests like anime, coloring, chess, coding, and more. These sessions are lightly structured and highly social, giving students a place to relax and build friendships. Whether your child enjoys cozy gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, or creative arts, there’s likely a community hour that fits their vibe. It’s a low-pressure, high-connection opportunity that adds real value to the Recess.gg membership.
The first time your student joins community hour, the guide will sign you up for a “special” community hour so they can make sure your tech is all lined up. Recess is a way that your child can join the platform everyday for an hour and choose from 6-8 activities where they can play or make and hang out with friends. In order to join Recess, one of the adult guides has to allow your child to join. Everything is carefully monitored for safety with the guides online and engaging with the kids in the different spaces.
Bob enjoyed exploring the map and traveling to the different meeting spaces in Recess. I think this would fill a great need in the winter for us when life is slower and there are less “extras” going on. Everyone was friendly and it is a great way to plugin and connect with friends every day!
Joining Recess.gg Leads To Friendship, Confidence and Skill Development
If you had asked me before we joined Recess.gg if something was “missing” from my kids education, I would have said no. They aren’t “lacking” anything. They have great curriculum, outside experiences, siblings…cousins…a great network. BUT…after watching Bob get so excited for his classes every single week…for a month and watching his confidence surge, I can definitely see that something was missing.
I think for kids in those “tween” years, they are longing for a little bit of independence. And as a parent, we want them to have that…but safely…and without a ton of extra effort on our part.
Recess.gg provides a great way for kids and teens to experience that independence, cultivate friendship, get meaningful and valuable feedback all in a safe space. All student communication happens right inside the platform chat and is easy to see from the parent dashboard.
Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! After being very socially awkward growing up, she now loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership to their kids!
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