Learning Can Take Place Outside of School
One of the most effective ways to teach children is by making learning a part of everyday life situations. Many daily activities can enhance classroom learning and often reinforce what students are studying at school. With some creative thinking, there are a number of opportunities to teach children through your daily activities:
- Family activities that help students understand their role and responsibilities within the family unit are beginning concepts of good citizenship.
- Inviting your child to help plan a family vacation will plant the seeds for understanding maps and geography.
- Chores, responsibilities and allowances give students a real-life understanding of economics, wants and needs, as well as building good saving and spending habits.
- Show how mathematics is used in all aspects of daily living. (e.g. recipes, budgets, gasoline prices, heating costs, schedules, sports, weather forecasts, estimating grocery costs, etc.)
- Play board games and card games.
- Encourage your child to browse in the children’s book collection at the library to identify books that spark an interest.
- Talk with your child about the book by discussing favorite parts, things that worked out as expected, and what could be changed in the story. You can also ask your child questions about the characters, the setting, the problem and solution. The purpose of these conversations is to help make sure that your child comprehends what is read.
- Another way to help your child develop comprehension is by talking about a television show or movie that you are watching. Periodically pause to ask what is going to happen next. You can also discuss favorite characters and how the show might be different if the character acted differently.
- Encourage drawing and other forms of art work at home.
- Take your child to local art museums and music events, many of which are free.
We encourage you to find new ways to make life a learning experience. WCPSS also has a resource for parents, guardians and child care providers who wish to continue to engage students in learning activities while students are not in school. These activities and lessons are separated by grade level and can be found by visiting the Afterschool Learning Resource at: www.wcpss.net/wednesdays.