But sometimes kids

dismiss what we say.

This happens when we don’t “practice what we preach.” We say we value learning . . . but we don’t show it.

When children can see we value learning, they want to learn, too. You show you value learning when you:

• Stop whatever else you may be doing and talk with children about what they’re doing in school, what they like best, etc.

• Read to your children and ask them about their reading.

• Discuss ideas, the news and other things you learn.

• Share opinions on social and political change.

• Wonder out loud about scientific and other discoveries.

• Research the answers to questions that come up.

• Play educational games like Monopoly and chess with your children.

• Take pleasure in a hobby.

• Help children be involved in hobbies and creative projects.

• Continue to learn yourself. You read books and go to the library. You watch educational TV programs and attend school programs for parents.

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