TOP 10 THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO ENCOURAGE LEARNING

However much of an education your little one is getting outside her home, what she gets in her home matters too. Parents’ attitudes towards home learning is one of the most vital factor in development. You don’t have to sit your child down with paper, pen and books to encourage learning. In fact, you shouldn’t. At this age, it’s all about learning through play- so, as long as you’re playing with your child, or encouraging him to play on his own or with friends, then you’re helping with his learning.

Here are the top 10 things parents can do to encourage learning 

1. Reading with your child

For busy working parents, if at the end of the day, you only have the time to do one thing, choose this: read with your child. Sitting with your child to read a book together is such a cosy experience. You can engage in conversations about the book and introduce new vocabulary and knowledge to your child. Your little one loves to hear your voice. Treasure this now because before long, she might not want to sit and read with you anymore

2. Teaching songs and nursery rhymes

A car ride can be full of fun and enjoyment if the family starts to sing aloud and be as silly as you can. If you are unsure of the songs, get a CD and play them. Alternatively, try to make up sentences that rhyme. Playing with words and sounds is vital to your child’s ability to read, write, or spell.

3. Making stuff 

Do a mini project. Build something. Recycle something. Or just tear down something. Instead of using toys, use random objects: a twig, stones, plastic bottle caps, cupboard boxes etc. Let your child explore and let her be creative. Don’t interfere. 

4. Playing board games

A game of Monopoly or Uno brings the family together in a fun competition. This is where your little one learns how to follow instructions, rules and sequences. You will be able to model and display the right attitude on how to handle winning and losing. 

5. Visiting the library

Instead of spending money in the mall, a trip to the library can be so much more rewarding. Find a cosy corner and read all kinds of books together. Cultivate the love for reading. Today she’s a reader, tomorrow she’s the leader. 

6. Going on interesting outings

Explore a swamp, go on a fishing trip, camp overnight, there are plenty of outdoor options for family outings. Outdoor education trains the mind more than the body. It builds character and resilience. Risk-taking, willingness to try, persevering, being observant, problem solving – these learning dispositions are cultivated in an authentic context. Nothing beats it. 

​7.  Arranging play dates

Learning to communicate, follow, lead, share, resolve conflicts, are all part and parcel of playing with other children. Your little one needs to have opportunities to build her social skills and confidence in relating to others. 

8. Cooking

Make pancakes together for breakfast, or fry an egg for lunch. There is so much science, maths, and logical processes involved in cooking. Your little one can feel, touch, see, smell, taste, all at one go. 

 9. Writing journals

If you want your child to excel academically, this is the number one activity that you need to encourage. Children as young as 3 years old can start drawing regularly on a journal. The aim is to practice expression and putting thoughts on paper. For older children, it encourages internal dialogue and the ability to make clear feelings and thoughts. 

10. Learning everywhere

Every activity is a learning activity. There are many examples of how language and number skills can be boosted with your guidance through in everyday things. For example, using new vocabulary in chatting; looking for differences and similarities in things’ pointing out colours, shapes and sizes; counting steps; identifying letters on cereal packets; and reading off posters and signboards. It’s all education.