Who says learning only happens in a controlled environment? Here's how you can turn regular chores and everyday activities into learning experiences.

A child begins to learn right from the time he is in his mother's womb. Experts say that at this time the mother feelings and experiences are all transferred to the baby. A couple of generations ago the elders in the family used to emphasise on the importance of reading the scriptures and 'feel good' stories so that its impact is felt on the baby.

Learning continues from when the baby is born and first experiences the world. As the child grows he learns by experimenting. You may find a toddler beating a few objects. He is learning unconsciously (and rather noisily) the different sounds each item makes. If we as parents make a conscious effort to provide different experiences to our child, he becomes a keen learner - learning from observation and experience - a skill he will benefit from throughout his life. Here are a few tips to make day-to-day activities a true learning experience for your children.

Help in household chores

Little children tend to tag along as you move from one room to another carrying out your daily tasks. Involve your children in these activities. Have them help you tidy up. They can begin with keeping away their own toys. Get them to help you fold clothes and arrange them in the cupboards. They do tend to mess up at times, so you will need to be patient. Mary, mother of a three-year-old says, "I get my son to help me stack up the vessels after they have been washed. He loves to sort the vessels, plates and spoons and stack them in their holders." Children not only learn to keep their things organised but also learn to sort and match in a slightly crude yet enjoyable way.

Bathing and washing

Playing in water is something all children love. Allow them to play in their little tub for a while before their bath. Put in some rubber toys. Let them pour water from one container into another. Have them feel warm water and cold water. "I noticed my toddler open and close the tap when in the tub. He would at first try and catch the water and then try and see where the water came from!" says Maya a mother of a two year old. Children learn in their own ways the properties of water, objects that sink and float and even differences in temperatures.