Learning can happen anywhere, and families with children owe it to them to find opportunities to embed learning into every part of the day. From nature walks at the park to reading sessions on rainy days, mentally engaging activities can set the tone for your young one’s future. Children can hone academic skills and develop emotional regulation abilities that will serve them well inside and outside of the classroom.
If you’re looking for strategies to nourish your child’s mind, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover five foundational ways families can support young learners outside of school.
1. Establish a Dedicated Learning Space at Home
Your child will begin to see learning as a lifelong activity when they see a physical space devoted to learning activities at home. You don’t have to designate an entire room—even just a corner of a space or desk will do. This space can be an area where your child tackles homework or prepares for tests. But it can also be a place for more informal or impromptu forms of learning.
Add some colorful signage with your child’s name or relevant learning materials, like a list of age-appropriate books for summer reading or a colorful chart about the Earth’s physical composition. Place a basket with educational toys or drawing materials nearby. And if room allows, add a comfortable chair with some pillows to encourage reading. Once you’ve established the perfect setting, aim to be consistent about ensuring your child spends time in their learning space. Block out time on their schedule so they can start to recognize learning as a key component of each day. Additionally, offer encouragement when your child completes a challenging puzzle or finishes a difficult book. Letting them know that you’re proud of them can go a long way toward spurring their future efforts.
2. Be Involved in Your Child’s Education
As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to be an active participant in your child’s education. That means talking with their teachers and seeking regular progress updates. Your child could need extra help with math or spelling, for instance, and knowing this can help you intervene at home. When your child feels supported at home, they can build more momentum that will help them improve at school.
Further, you can take it upon yourself to invest in training programs that can help you be a better teacher for your children at home. You can learn about the nature of child development so you’re using more age-appropriate activities and language when your child is studying or asking questions. Pursuing an ancillary certificate in early childhood education, for example, can give you the tools to reshape how you work with your child. Best of all, flexible programs that you can complete on your own timetable make it easy to participate.
3. Nurture Curiosity
It’s vital to encourage your child’s curiosity. And while they’ll participate in recess and go on field trips through school, you can carry the curiosity into their home life, as well. Whether through playing with them outside, baking together, or delving into budgeting basics, you can help your child learn how to ask useful questions and think creatively.
Boost your child’s problem-solving abilities by doing puzzles together. Ask them to assemble a menu on a shoestring budget. Or work with them to start a garden in the backyard. Giving your childhood ownership of decisions can let them see mistakes in a safe setting while also nurturing their mind. Your child will be better able to think critically, which can help them in any setting later in life.
4. Focus on Regular Reading
Every parent wants their child to be able to communicate well. And committing to regular reading is the best way to help your child develop strong language skills. Read to your child before naps and bedtime. And schedule reading time on quiet weekend afternoons so your child can continue honing their literacy skills. Anything from historical fiction to graphic novels can make a positive impact on your child’s growth.
Don’t stop at reading aloud or in silence, either. Pretend you’re in a reading group and discuss what you’re reading. Talk about the narrative progression and plot twists. Ask them questions about how they react to moments or descriptions in the text. You’ll help make reading more engaging, so they’ll be inclined to keep doing it.
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5. Help Your Child Learn to Process Emotions
Not every child is good at making friends or expressing their feelings. Some children may struggle with keeping their emotions in check or knowing how to handle difficult situations. You can model the best solutions for these tricky situations and help your child improve their social skills.
Encourage your child to name their feelings and learn when to step away from conflicts. Try mimicking real-life scenarios and demonstrating appropriate responses. You’ll help your child learn how to cope with and regulate their emotions. And you’ll give them language and reactions that can help them navigate social dynamics at school.
Engage in Your Child’s Journey
Young learners need a reliable adult presence outside of school hours. As a parent or caregiver, you can be their role model, showing them how to take control of their emotions and nurture greater curiosity about the world around them. Keeping the educational journey alive and engaging beyond the classroom walls can build a more intentional and adaptive child. Make sure your child has a voice in what they do, and encourage them to talk openly about how they feel. Take them to local attractions, like museums and nature trails, and be a constant presence in their life.
