Bedtime stories are not just to help children fall asleep. Reading with your child promotes phonological abilities. Let your child follow along in the story. Ask him comprehension questions about the book or have him retell events. These activities enhance reading skills. Other literacy-building activities include joining your local library and giving your child books as presents. Incorporate fantasy and make-believe by acting out plays with your children. Invite peers to participate and put on a production for the family. Offer praise and positive reinforcement for reading success.
Math is used on a regular basis, so incorporating instruction into your child's daily schedule should not be difficult. While shopping at the grocery store, give your child a few dollars to buy the foods she would enjoy. Let her count out the money at the register. During meal preparation, have your child help you follow recipes. This will help with measurements. Practice basic math skills with manipulatives found around the kitchen. For example, add using jelly beans. Other math-building activities include flashcards or the measurements used in building a tree-house.
To practice written language skills, allow your children to write letters to peers or family members. This will improve handwriting as well. Written expression can also be practiced via email or cell phone text-messaging. For holidays, save money and let your children make their own cards. Have them draw a picture and write a short greeting or poem to go inside. To enhance spelling skills, hold family spelling bees. Use known and unknown words. Award prizes to the winner and the person who is most improved. This way you are rewarding personal successes and promoting learning.
Along with reading, mathematics and writing, you want to promote academics in general. You want children to love learning and not see it as a chore. An effective way to do this is by taking "field trips." Take your children to the zoo to learn about animals or the science center to learn about technology. Teach history by touring museums and space by visiting the planetarium. Children can also learn from science projects at home. For example, help your child plant a garden to learn about horticulture. There are a variety of activities available to improve education.