How to Use Household Items to Teach

Parents are always looking for ways to teach their children about the world around them. There are so many things to learn about and explore, and thankfully these lessons don't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, using household items to teach is one of the best things you can do. You can use items that you already have to teach your child math, science and reading. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Dig up things in the kitchen. Items like funnels, colanders and measuring cups are all great tools for learning math and science concepts. Let your child sort beans or brightly colored candy in a muffin tin. Let your child practice measuring solids like rice or oatmeal, and then let him measure water in the bathtub. For older children, practice adding and subtracting fractions with measuring cups. Talk about the properties of solids and liquids while using colanders and funnels.

2. Get cooking. There's no better place to teach a child about the miracle of science, then in the kitchen. You can show her how to mix ingredients, and she can learn how certain substances combine to create something entirely new and different.

3. Find things that inspire your child's creativity. Combs and toothbrushes work well as paintbrushes or for making impressions out of clay. Cookie cutters are also fun art tools. Cardboard tubes have dozens of different applications; you can make craft projects and even musical instruments with them.

4. Let him explore his world. Hand-held mirrors and magnifying glasses can help your child learn about the world in a whole new light. Send him outside to check out bugs, rocks and leaves.

Tips & Warnings

• Always supervise your child when she's playing with household items. Avoid things with sharp edges or small pieces.