As parents, we want our children to be knowledgeable and intelligent, amongst a million other good traits. Indeed, even the best students aren’t the best learners, so it’s often necessary to supplement what’s taught at school with at-home education. You don’t have to pull out a whiteboard and show your kids how to do geometry, but there are ways to help them stay on track. Here are a few suggestions to allow you to do just that.
Social Skills
This is a terrific way to teach kids how to follow directions and complete projects. These days, you’ll find printable online resources for every topic, including socialization. Children can improve their social skills as they finish worksheets, which makes it easy to teach and build upon them. Like any subject at school, these need worked on as kids grow older. Usually, students are used to a set of rules they need to follow for each assignment. When they complete worksheets at home, you’re able to encourage them to ask questions and think a little more freely. These lessons then translate directly back to the classroom.
Reading
A child’s literacy skills begin to develop as soon as they’re born. Think about it – the more you talk and make sounds around your baby over the years, the more they’ll retain and understand later on. Therefore, when you read to your kids, you open up a realm of possibilities. Make an effort to get through one story every night before bed. Have them choose the book and read it with them. If it’s one they’ve chosen before, stop to ask them if they remember what happens next. Doing this helps to boost memory. You may also want to create a relaxing reading environment. Turn on a soft light and cuddle up in bed. This way, your child can focus on enjoying the story, instead of any distractions.
Math and Science
Math and science are crucial subjects but sometimes aren’t taught in ways that children can apply to their own lives. Though they may learn how to add and subtract, you as the parent can help them even further. When you’re in the car, ask them to identify the shape of a stop sign. If you take them to the grocery store, prompt them to find the cheapest carton of ice cream. Point out a dog and tell them what breed it is. Allow them to help you take care of your garden. This way, they’re able to apply what they already know to real-world situations. When your child isn’t sure about something, help them work through it, so they understand going forward.
Creative Arts
When children are in touch with their creative side, they gain a host of benefits beyond their standard curriculum. Most schools now require art and music classes, but you can expand upon this at home. Keep your playroom well stocked with paper, markers, crayons and paint. Encourage your kid to make whatever masterpiece they envision. Afterward, hang up their work so they can see it displayed throughout your home. Play music and sing along to it. If your child expresses interest in the piano or guitar, book them a few lessons. Remember to make this a fun experience, not one where they feel the need to impress.
Social Studies
Many people believe that the best way to learn is to do. When it comes to social studies, one of the best ways to do this is to explore. Purchase a map, globe or themed puzzle to help your kid identify and place countries around the world. Visit different parts of your city or head to a museum, where your child can see and hear about local history. If you’re going on a family vacation, try to plan an activity that puts you all in touch with the culture. You may also find it helpful to explore different restaurants to try new cuisines. All of these are ways that will expand your child’s knowledge of the world around them.
Physical Education
In the United States, about one in three children are obese. Thus, your kids should get enough daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Encourage them to play outside after school or take them to the park after dinner. Even if they run around in an open space inside, they’re more active than they would be watching television or playing video games. The school your child attends likely has a recess or some form of physical education, but this is still something to incorporate. This is also an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about their health, as well as how the mind and body work. It’s possible that if they know why they should exercise, they’re more likely to do it.
Learning Is All Around Us
School teaches children the basics and then some, but often, it’s up to parents to bridge the gap. There are dozens of ways you can supplement your kid’s education at home, no matter what subject you want to focus on. This way, your child will learn all there is to know about the world.
Jennifer Landis
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