Learning at Home Article Archive

How to sneak learning in at home: let children help to plan vacations, notice what your children are doing right, teach your children to be self reliant, and more.

• For Students, Parents, and Families, There Are 26 Top Apps for ThatWhether it’s keeping track of school assignments, remembering your kids’ allowances, or avoiding doubles on the grocery list, new software applications abound.
• Handwritten Thank-You Notes Offer Many Ways To LearnParents can add humor—and math and history learning—to this task, which is one that most children initially resist.
• Instill a Love of Learning in Your ChildTo encourage curiosity and a passion for learning in your child, discuss things you’re interested in, show her real-world examples, and don’t forget to take her lead.
• Divorce: How To Help Your Child at Home and at SchoolDivorce can wreak havoc on a child’s world and affect her life at school. How much information should a parent give a child’s teacher and other adults in the child’s life, and how should the child tell her friends? Our experts provide tips and guidance for parents to help their children navigate this difficult life experience.
• 7 Ideas for Celebrating Leap Day2012 is a Leap Year! Celebrate that extra day in February—the 29th—with your kids, using some of these fun and educational activities.
• Today’s Multitasking TeensToday’s teens spend seven-plus hours a day involved with some type of technology or media—including time when they’re studying or doing homework. A researcher specializing in teens and media offers tips for parents to help kids disconnect and focus.
• 13 Summer Learning ActivitiesThese fun activities can help keep kids’ math and language arts skills sharp during the summer break.
• Summer Fun and LearningNeed something for your kids to do this summer? Try these activities that balance fun with learning.
• Teach Your Child To Love ReadingThese tips from teachers will help your early elementary school child read better and enjoy reading more.
• Top 20 Destinations for LearningLooking for great places to visit with your children? You can’t go wrong with these—our favorite spots where education is so fun, your kids won’t even know they’re learning.
• Let Your Child Learn From the Consequences of Her ActionsLet kids learn from natural consequences.
• Calm Talk, Agreeing on Home Chores Can Work WondersHelping teens build a sense of personal responsibility is one of the most important things parents can do.
• Here’s How To Get Teens To Help You Around the HouseWhen kids are old enough to really help around the house, they become teenagers and don’t want to help.
• TV Log Can Increase Student Awareness and ResponsibilityA recent study found that eighth graders spent four times as many hours each week watching television as they did studying.
• Chores Help Build Important Life SkillsTeaching teens domestic skills should be done while the teen is still at home.
• Help Your Teenager Develop Responsible HabitsSometimes, the best way to teach a teen responsibility is to help her develop good habits.
• You Can Teach Your Teen How To Manage Time EffectivelyThe most successful students learn how to manage their time effectively.
• You Can Teach Your Teen Positive Financial HabitsThere are four days before your teen’s allowance is due but she’s asking for a loan to carry her through.
• Successful Students Know That Good Listening Aids LearningMost kids are visual learners. They learn by watching, reading and writing.
• Talk About Safety Issues With Your Middle SchoolerSchools today take extra steps to keep kids safe. But they need parents’ help.
• Break Down Large Goals Into Short-Term Goals for SuccessHow managing long-term goals starts with managing short-term goals.
• Counteract Violent Influences by Teaching KindnessHow can you teach children to be sensitive and caring in a world that can seem hard and cruel?
• Teach Your Child To Be Responsible Managing MoneyTeach your child to be responsible about money now, and you’ll be giving him tools to make smart financial decisions later.
• ‘Do Cards’ and ‘Do Lists’ Help Middlers Keep Track of TasksHelp adolescents keep track of "to dos."
• Learning How To Make Good Choices Teaches ResponsibilityA person becomes responsible when she learns to decide for herself what’s right.
• Neatness Can Help Your Child Improve Grades in SchoolChecklist for improving homework neatness.
• Help Your Child Identify Role Models, Set Goals for FutureTeach your child that responsibility contains two words—respond and ability.
• Teach Your Middle Schooler To Keep Study Areas OrganizedTips to keep study areas organized.
• Teach Your Middle Schooler the Importance of Being on TimeThe downside of allowing your child to be late to school.
• Follow State Guidelines if Your Child Is Home AloneDeciding if your child is ready to stay home alone.
• Introduce Your Middle School Student to the Art of CookingIf you haven’t already, now is the time to acquaint your child with “kitchen duty."
• Help Your Child Do Homework IndependentlyBy middle school, children should be able to do most of their homework on their own.
• Alter Your Parenting Style During Middle School YearsHelp your middle schooler become more independent.
• Checkpoint System Ensures Student Success at SchoolTips to help school success.
• Show Your Adolescent How To Become a Real InventorInventing something can help people feel good about themselves.
• A ‘Personal Success Portfolio’ Displays Your Teen’s TalentsBefore teens can make choices about the future, they must look over the past and evaluate the most important events, experiences, and decisions in their lives.
• Help Disorganized Students by Planning, Setting Up RoutinesSpecific strategies to get your middle schooler organized.
• Middle Schoolers Are Ready To Take on More ResponsibilityNot only are chores wonderful for teaching your child responsibility, they also help keep the household running.
• Routine Is the Backbone for Nurturing IndependenceEssential to getting kids to be responsible is establishing a routine.
• Getting organized is the first step toward a successful yearThe amount of work expected in middle school can be daunting to a child.
• Encourage Learning at HomeSome parents might not believe it, but the saying “Parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers” holds just as true in middle school as it did in the elementary grades.
• Foster Love of Learning With Family Field TripsWant your child to be more curious? Be more interested in the world? Be more motivated to learn?
• Help Middle Schoolers Put Time and History in PerspectiveMiddle school kids are still developing their sense of time. They learn about many historical events. But they often can’t put them into historical perspective.
• Tips for Teaching Teenagers The Value of MoneyThe older your teen gets, the more important it becomes for her to know how to spend wisely.
• ‘Imaginary Portfolios’ Teach Teens About the Stock MarketToday, more and more people have some money “in the market."
• Planners Can Help Teens Keep Track of School TasksHow to help your child organize school work, other tasks.
• Give Your Teen Advice to Plan Ahead for Final Math ExamsHow to get ready for that big math test.
• Give Responsibility To Prepare Teens For AdulthoodHelp your teen learn to be responsible.
• Help Build Teenage Responsibility as ‘Adulthood’ NearsResponsible students do better in school, but many parents struggle with how much freedom and responsibility to give teens.
• Help Your Teen Make Good Promises and Follow ThroughA huge part of being responsible is actually doing what we say we’re going to do.
• Give Your Teen Guidelines for Practicing Good JudgmentHaving good judgment is a necessary step toward becoming responsible.
• Help Your Teen Become More Responsible This School YearHelp kids become responsible for themselves.
• The Four R’s of Responsibility Help Teens Learn From MistakesTeens can sometimes learn important lessons about responsibility from those mistakes.
• The Four-Jar System Helps Teens Budget Money WiselyLearning to manage money is a big part of growing up.
• Encourage Teens To Do Things for ThemselvesThe next stage for your teen is adulthood—taking care of himself without constant help from parents.
• Maintaining a Schedule Builds Teen’s Sense of ResponsibilityAs your teen moves toward adulthood, she should gradually take over her own schedule and activities.
• Encourage, Notice Signs of Responsibility in Your TeenSigns that your child is becoming more responsible.
• Teens Should Be Making Conscious and Informed ChoicesHelp your child make conscious choices.
• Make Your Teen’s Volunteer Time More SuccessfulTips to make your child's volunteering more successful.
• ‘Coach’ Your Teenager in This Process for Making DecisionsHow to coach your child toward making good decisions.
• Make Chores (Almost) AppealingHow to get your kids to do chores.
• Calm Communication Encourages Children To Listen CarefullyTips on getting kids to follow directions.
• Make Cleanup Time EasierStraightening up is an important skill, not just because it makes things look nice, but because it teaches children about responsibility and respect.
• Fun Games Can Help Your Child Develop Sense of TimeIt’s useless to yell at kids about wasting time or not being on time when they haven’t yet developed a sense of time.
• Establishing Routines Helps Young Children Become ResponsibleTips to teach young children about calendars and "to do" lists.
• You Can Help Your Child Make Healthy Food ChoicesTips for getting your children to eat healthy foods.
• Expect Elementary-Aged Children To Do Some ChoresSmall tasks that young children can complete.
• Help Your Child Learn About Money and ValuesTips for helping your child understand the value of money.
• Calendar System Helps Motivate Children To BehaveEncouraging children’s good behavior is one of the most important jobs of any parent.
• Teach Responsibility as You Care for the EnvironmentHelp your child become a good eco-citizen.
• Don’t Do for Children What They Can Do For ThemselvesValerie Allen, a school psychologist who works with many families, knows how parents can help their children to become more responsible.
• Help Your Older Child Get OrganizedAs the state of their rooms usually shows, preteens and teenagers are not naturally organized! As students move into the higher grades, though, teachers expect them to assume more responsibility for their own learning.
• Start Good Habits Early to Make the Most of the Year
• Setting Expectations at Home Helps Children in Many WaysSetting expectations for your children at home and following up on those expectations is a great way to build responsibility.
• Try Alarm Clock To Teach Children ResponsibilityActivity to practice being responsible.
• Give Your Child Choices To Avoid Power StrugglesGetting into a power struggle with an elementary-school child is hardly ever a battle you can win.
• Help Your Child Get Off to School With What He NeedsTips to getting your kids out of the house with everything they need.
• Gold-Star Students Work To Do Their Best on HomeworkSetting expectations helps improve a child's work ethic.
• Kids Learn Responsibility Sharing Family Work LoadThere's a lot of work in any family. Everyone must be fed, clothed, and organized. Children can and should assume some of the load of family life.
• Recycling Is a Great Project for Everyone in the FamilyGetting involved in recycling efforts is an excellent project for families to do together.
• Teach Children To Avoid Danger on the InternetWays to keep your kids safe online.
• Teach Your Child Responsibility, Build Math SkillsHow allowance can help with math skills.
• Checklist Can Help Your Child Learn ResponsibilityChildren can’t learn to be responsible for themselves unless their parents give them responsibilities.
• Help Your Child Get Organized for School SuccessChildren need organization skills to succeed in school.
• You Can Take Charge of Your Family’s TV ViewingWays to manage your family's television viewing.
• Set an Example of Responsibility for Your ChildResponsibility is an attitude and a habit you can help your child develop.
• Help Your Child Learn To Tell Time, Be ResponsibleKids can’t learn to manage their time—until they learn to tell time.
• Responsible Children Are More Likely to SucceedKids who learn to be responsible do better in school.
• This Holiday Teach the True ‘Gift of Giving’Ways children might share with others now and throughout the year.
• Turn the Kitchen Sink Into a Science LabRemember the old “mad scientist” movies?
• Teach About, Observe Rainbows With Your ChildRaindrops act like tiny prisms. They divide the sun’s white light into an array of colors.
• Science Fun With a Disappearing PennyCan you make a penny disappear?
• Go on a Bug HuntInsects and bugs predate dinosaurs. And like dinosaurs, they fascinate most kids.
• Teach Your Child Science While Doing LaundryDoing laundry can be more than just a chore. It can also be a time when you teach your child science skills.
• Simple Experiments Help Teach ScienceIt’s good to answer your child’s questions about the world. It’s even better for him to experiment and get answers on his own.
• Fun Ways To Learn ScienceYou don't need test tubes to help your kids learn about science at home.
• Easy Ways To Build Science SkillsKids learn by doing. So they are natural scientists.
• Hot and Cold Water Show How Nerves ReactHere’s a fun way to help children learn more about how their nerves work.
• Teach Your Child The Process of ‘Plan, Do, Finish’Students can’t be successful in school if they lack organization.
• Don’t Assume Your Child ‘Isn’t Trying Hard Enough’It’s easy for parents to get frustrated with kids who don’t do well in school.
• Letting Children Choose Builds ResponsibilityIf children are to learn how to make responsible choices about yound adult issues, they first need plenty of practice making other decisions.
• ‘Mommy Checks’ Encourage Children To Be ResponsibleAcross the country, educators are learning the benefit of “catching kids being good."
• Understand Your Child To Reinforce Good BehaviorsA child’s habits affect her school success.
• Make a Birdhouse Using Recycled Milk JugsHere’s a fun activity that teaches children about nature.
• Encourage Curiosity to Fuel Your Child’s ImaginationCurious kids learn more. They ask questions. “I wonder why,” they may say. Then they’ll look in the library or on the Internet to find an answer.
• A ‘Memory Bank’ Is a Source for Writing TopicsDo writing assignments cause your child’s mind to go blank? Does he stare at the paper as he gropes for something to write about?
• How Do You Nurture a Child With a Special Talent?Do you think your child has a world-class talent?
• Encourage Creativity Through Practical Problem SolvingThomas Edison was called "The Wizard of Menlo Park" for his inventions.
• Books Help Your Child See Past the End of the BlockMost kids know a lot about their family background. But few know much about people of other cultures.
• Make Your Home a "Learning Place" This SummerIn order to start school ready to learn next fall, children must keep right on learning all summer long!
• Grow a Garden, Teach ValuesAs the weather gets warmer, you can help your child plant a garden.
• Here Are Ways to Keep Your Child Interested in WritingWhen kids are young, they love to write stories, letters and even books.
• Here Are Ways to Help Your Child 'Think I Can' SucceedKids who are successful in school are like the Little Engine That Could. Over and over, they say to themselves, "I think I can, I think I can."
• Help Your Child Learn About Different CulturesFebruary is Black History Month. It’s a great time for families from all ethnic backgrounds to learn about diversity.
• Dry-Erase Board Promotes Fun Daily ReviewLearning experts know that students learn best when they review regularly.
• Keep Your Child Learning Over The Holiday SeasonTry these fun ideas to keep your child learning over the holidays:
• Build Skills Putting Room in ABC OrderRain showers bring kids inside, and parents rack their brains for activities that don’t require a TV set!
• Show Kids Why Washing Hands Is Important“Wash your hands before you come to the table.” Parents have been saying that for generations. Here’s a science experiment that will make your kids want to wash their hands.
• Teach a Real History Lesson—Put Time in a BottleHistory isn’t just something from a book. It’s the real story of people’s lives.
• Outside Learning Important in Elementary School YearsSome of the most valuable learning your child may do this year could take place outside of school.
• Inspire Your Child With the Story of a HeroThe stories you tell your children can help inspire them to do their very best.
• Visit a Museum, Help Your Child Learn Thinking SkillsWhen visiting museums, help your children develop thinking skills in these ways: · Talk about what they will see at the museum.
• "Worm Hotel" Promotes Curiosity, AnalysisA worm hotel can teach kids about scientific thought—inquiry, hypothesis, observation, and analysis.
• Use Questions After Reading To Develop Thinking SkillsParents can help children develop thinking skills just by asking questions.
• Help Children Write Their Own 'Book About Me'Here's a great idea to help build a child's self-esteem: work with your child to make a book about him!
• How Much Help Should You Give With School Projects?How to strike a balance when helping kids with school projects.
• February is 'I Love You' MonthFebruary is a month when we think about love.
• An ‘Island of Competence’ Can Build Your Child’s Self-EsteemOne of the best ways to build a child’s self-esteem is by helping him create “islands of competence."
• Teach Your Child the Value of Learning From MistakesThere’s one thing successful people have in common.
• Teach Your Child Perseverance To Build ConfidenceSelf-esteem grows from perseverance.
• ‘All About Me’ Poster Helps Boost Children’s Self-EsteemCreating an “all about me” poster is a great way to give your child’s self-esteem a boost in the middle of the school year.
• Children With Learning Disabilities Need a BoostParents play a critical role in helping all children develop self- esteem.
• Simple Steps Can Help Make Chores ProductiveGiving children household duties is important because it prepares them for future responsibilities.
• Use Chores to Teach Your Child Responsibility, Important SkillsSome experts say giving children responsibilities does more than just help them become self-reliant.
• Simple Chores Can Teach Even Young Children ResponsibilityYou probably know that helping around the house does wonderful things for a child.
• Teach Children To Give Things They’ve Made ThemselvesMost of our children are used to getting gifts.
• Prepare Your Child for School by Teaching Honesty, Healthy HabitsAs your child prepares for school, he should be learning to take responsibility for what he says and for his own body.
• Work With Children To Help Them Face, Conquer Their FearsHow to deal with your child's fear.
• Routines Help Children Become More IndependentMost young children thrive on routines.
• Encourage Your Child To Explore, Make Choices, and MistakesWhen your child gets older, do you want him to stand up for what he believes in?
• Shopping, Food Preparation Promote Healthy Eating HabitsYour child probably knows that you wouldn’t allow him to eat candy and potato chips all day long.
• Household Items Make Simple Science ExperimentsMany things you probably have on hand in your home can be scientific instruments for your child.
• Take Your Child to Interesting PlacesChildren learn all day long as they practice skills and experience new things.
• Explore Worlds of Fun and Adventure at the LibraryThe local library is a great place to explore.
• Introduce Your Child to GeographyGeography is a key school subject, but many students don’t like it.
• Books, Pictures, Songs Introduce Different CulturesTo get along in this world, children must be able to relate to people who are different.
• Motivate Children With "Science" ActivitiesThe term “science” can be intimidating to adults.
• Talk With Children About What They See on TVWe all know about the importance of limiting television time. But it’s also true that watching selected quality and age-appropriate show with your child can be good for both of you.
• Celebrate Martin Luther King Day With Diverse ActivitiesThe United States marks Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on the third Monday in January each year.
• Winter Learning Fun With an Indoor GardenGardening, even in winter, is an inexpensive way to introduce children to the world of science, nature, and wonder. It also promotes patience and nurturing instincts, and can easily be done indoors during cold weather.
• Children Benefit From Starting CollectionsYoung children enjoy collecting things, from stuffed animals to stickers.
• Explore Irish Culture on St. Patrick’s Day“Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” a saying goes.
• Teach Good Habits During National Nutrition MonthMarch is National Nutritional Month.
• Helping Others Can Teach Your Child Lessons in ResponsibilityPitching in at home teaches children about responsibility.
• Teach Responsibility Using ‘When-Then’ PhrasesResponsible people complete tasks they need to do before turning to those they want to do.
• Children Who Like Themselves Exhibit More Self-ConfidenceLiking themselves is critical to children’s self-esteem.
• It’s Important To Remind Children They’re WonderfulEveryone needs to be told how special they are, especially children.
• Gaze at Constellations Inside Your HomeYou don’t have to live outside the bright city lights to see the stars.
• Learn About Rainbows After April ShowersThe beauty and color of rainbows seem magical to younger children.
• Teach About Weather During March's Wide VarietyMarch is often a great time to help your child become more aware of the weather.
• Create Crystals for Hands-On Science FunWhen water mixes with salt and then the water evaporates, crystals are formed.
• Teach Recycling by Making "Throwaways" Into ToysExplain to your child that our earth will stay healthier if we throw away less trash.
• Having Your Child Play Detective Can Help Develop Thinking SkillsChildren usually enjoy word games, especially if the words have to do with a sto- ry.
• Help Your Child Learn That Parts Make Up a WholeChildren who do well in school see that items are made up of parts.
• Help Children Learn New Skills Every Time You Go to the StoreChoosing produce at the supermarket may seem routine to you, but it can be a fun learning experience for your child.
• Using Water, Encourage Your Child to Think ScientificallyTo get your child to think like a scientist, experiment with water.
• Solving Problems Helps Build Your Child’s Self-EsteemIt feels good to solve problems on your own or as part of a team.
• Remind Your Child of Some Past SuccessesYou can help your child build self-respect by reminding him of his successes.
• Celebrate Children’s Successes by Dedicating Special DinnersWhen children succeed, they should feel proud of themselves.
• Show Your Child You Love Him by Making February SpecialHow to make Valentine's Day special for kids.
• Make Sure You Are Noticing the Things Your Child Does RightIt is so important that parents take time to recognize his successes, his attempts and his good behavior, too.
• Strong Self-Esteem Helps Prepare Children To Succeed in SchoolOne of the most important ways to prepare children for school is to help them feel good about themselves.
• Talk With Your Child About All The Things That Make Her SpecialAll adults and children have qualities that make them special, and it’s important to talk about them together.
• Giving Attention Is Another Way To Recognize Your Child’s EffortsWhat children really need is acceptance. The best way to give this is to give your child your full attention.
• Give Specific Instructions To Build Your Child’s Self-EsteemThe best self-esteem comes from within your child when she realizes she is a capable person—that she can do things on her own to help herself and other people.
• Make Art Exciting for Your Child With Different ProjectsColoring is a favorite way for children to develop control of their hand and finger muscles.
• Boost Your Child’s Self-ConfidenceOne of parents’ most important jobs is helping children develop a healthy sense of self-esteem.
• Confident Children Are More Likely To Succeed in SchoolConfidence is one of the most important characteristics you can instill in your child.
• Build Self-Confidence in Your Child With Lots of PretendingDid you know that pretending builds self-esteem?
• Positive Self-Image Will Help Your Child Succeed in SchoolChildren with high self-esteem feel capable and are more likely to tackle new tasks.
• Sneak Learning Into Summer FunTeachers offer their favorite ideas to combine education and fun.
• Let the Kids Plan the VacationChildren learn a wealth of skills by planning the family vacation. It’s a lot of fun, and not as risky as you might think.
• Make Summer CountYes, learning and summer fun can coexist. Use these tips to help your child get the most out of summer.