Learning doesn't only occur in the classroom. Parents have a responsibility to facilitate learning opportunities at home so that their children can go to school ready to learn and armed with comprehension and literacy skills. Although you may think learning at home is akin to homeschooling with a curriculum, learning at home can be a casual effort, where you're able to turn everyday activities into learning experiences that teach your children about the world around them.
Step 1
Make everyday activities an opportunity to learn. You can plant a garden with your child and learn more about science and the environment. A trip to the grocery store may help your child learn about math, suggests the U.S. Department of Education. Baking cookies together is an important lesson in measurements. Actively seek opportunities to teach your child something.
Step 2
Invest your money in toys, games and activities that entertain as well as teach. Although your child may be interested in an action figure, consider the learning opportunities he might have from that sort of toy. Math.com recommends buying blocks for counting and geometry, books for reading and puzzles to learn more about sizes, shapes and colors.
Step 3
Read to your child daily. Elaine McEwan-Adkins, educational consultant and Babycenter.com contributor, notes that you should read to your child at least 20 minutes each day. This teaches her about reading comprehension, the progression of a story, morals and readies her to learn while in the classroom. Get a library card and bring home books to read together weekly. Share some of your favorite stories and then talk about the books after reading them.
Step 4
Monitor homework carefully and help when you can. Completing math that you haven't seen for years might be daunting, but the U.S. Department of Education recommends that you brush up on your skills to help your child be diligent with his homework. Homework is assigned by teachers to drive home a concept, so it's important that your child finish all of his homework under your supervision at home.
Step 5
Talk to your child's teachers about her learning curve and what you can do at home to help her learn more. Sitting down with the teacher and talking candidly about facilitating her success at school by learning at home can give you a better idea about the areas your child most needs to work on. Armed with this information, you can think of the methods best suited to your child to learn at home.
