Things You'll Need:
- creativity
- patience
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Step 1
Read to Your Child.Read to your child on a daily basis. Experts suggest spending 15 minutes or more per day reading to your child until they are able to read for themselves. If you don't like to read and never read around your children, chances are they will follow in your footsteps. Luckily, this isn't always the case but children are copiers and they tend to mimic their parent's activities the most. When my children see me reading they usually run to their bookshelf, grab a book and beg me to read to them. This is a good thing! Take time to read to your children and you will be amazed at the rewards this small task will bring to both you and your child. Make trips to your local library on a regular basis to teach your child the responsibility of borrowing.
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Step 2
Family Outings to Foster Learning.Take frequent outings. Everything is new to a child. Perhaps you have been to the local botanical gardens millions of times but your child hasn't and will be thrilled at the new experience. Anything family friendly is worth checking out on a beautiful weekend. Zoos, children's' museums, libraries, and nature preserves are perfect outings that bring ultimate excitement to kids. If you are on a tight budget save in advance for outings that might require admission fees. Better yet, open a savings account that is entirely devoted to family outings and vacations. Have trouble getting out of the house? No problem. Buy a small tent (4 person usually costs as little as $32) and camp out in the backyard or living room. Small fire pits are available at home and gardening stores and can cost as little as $49 and are perfect for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs without building a traditional camp fire. I wouldn't recommend bringing them indoors though ... might set off the smoke alarm. : )
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Step 3
Know Your Child's Interests.If your child displays a particular interest in certain subjects, (trains, ballet, animals) foster that interest by learning more about it yourself. You are your child's first teacher. Find books and activities that might encourage your child to research their interests. If your little girl loves ballet take her to a local ballet studio to show her all the hard work that goes into dancing. Most studios have no problem letting you sit in during a class. If your child shows a love for animals take them to a local animal shelter or zoo and explain the importance of respecting animals and how to properly care for them.
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Step 4
Answer Questions.Answer questions. Children ask tons and tons of questions, much to parent's annoyance at times, but this a perfect opportunity for learning. When you're in the car and the questions come barrelling in, answer the question and then elaborate on your answer. If your child asks "How much further is it?" you could reply, "Not too far ... about 5 miles or so." Okay, so the next question may be, "How far is a mile?" Make sure you have an answer to give! If you just can't take anymore questions distraction is the next step. Have your child count the number of red cars you pass. Hey, counting is learning, right? Be creative. More bonding takes place in the car than just about anywhere else these days.
Comments
momose said
on 4/27/2009 Wonderful common-sense suggestions, and nicely written!