Simple Things Parents Can Do to Help Their Kids Learn

The road to success in school begins early. Good health, loving relationships and opportunities to learn all help children succeed in life. But many parents wonder, "How do I give these things to my child?" Parents and caregivers are busy people. They have many responsibilities: jobs outside the home, laundry to wash and groceries to buy. However busy parents may be, there are lots of things they can do to help their children get ready for school -- little things that make a big difference. Many of them cost little or nothing and can be done as you go about your daily routines.

Below are 15 simple things parents can do to help their kids learn:

• Read with them.
• Listen to them and pay attention to their problems.
• Tell family stories.
• Limit their television viewing.
• Have books and other reading materials in the house.
• Help them look up words in the dictionary.
• Encourage them to use an encyclopedia.
• Share favorite poems and songs with them.
• Take them to the library to get them their own library cards.
• Take them to museums and historical sites, whenever possible.
• Discuss the daily news with them.
• Go exploring with them and learn about plants, animals, and geography.
• Find a quiet place for them to study.
• Review their homework.
• Meet with their teachers.

Source: U.S. Department of Education/Helping Your Child Get Ready For School Series