Who says learning only happens in a controlled environment? Heres 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 mothers womb. Experts say that at this time the mother feelings and experiences are all transferred to the baby. A couple of generations ago the eldersin 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. In this articleHelp in household choresBathing and washingShoppingHelp 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. Shopping Taking children shopping can sometimes be quite taxing especially if they are restless and want to run around. Instead of threatening them to obey or forcefully putting them on the trolley, get them to push your trolley for you. Use this opportunity to show them fruits and vegetables, items from the freezer and other groceries. Allow them to touch the items. Another good idea is to get them to read the names of their favourite foods like cornflakes, chocolates, biscuits and so on. Before long you will find them reading most labels. This not only encourages them to read but also keeps them quiet! So the next time you think your childs education happens only at school, think again.
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.
Taking children shopping can sometimes be quite taxing especially if they are restless and want to run around. Instead of threatening them to obey or forcefully putting them on the trolley, get them to push your trolley for you. Use this opportunity to show them fruits and vegetables, items from the freezer and other groceries. Allow them to touch the items. Another good idea is to get them to read the names of their favourite foods like cornflakes, chocolates, biscuits and so on. Before long you will find them reading most labels. This not only encourages them to read but also keeps them quiet!
So the next time you think your child's education happens only at school, think again.
