Learning on the go

During the week, we have at least one day that we run errands. Today, we are doing our weekly library trip. I pick my son up from morning preschool, grab lunch, go to the library, and then anywhere else we need/want to go. This could include shopping, or even just browsing a couple stores to wear them out a bit before we go home for a nap. It's a special time between me and my boys that we look forward to every week.

During that time, we learn on the go. It doesn't matter how busy you are, if you are with your kid, you can utilize it for learning. Most weeks, we check out between 25 and 30 books and we typically read them all if not more than once before it's time to go back again. At the library, we work on being quiet, being cordial to others, and how to pick out books. We read the titles, scan the pages to see if it is an appropriate level, and learn how to put it back, if we don't want to use it. If you are unsure on where to look for your child's level, don't be afraid to ask for a children's librarian for assistance. When we read as many books as we do, we can struggle to find new books after a while, and my boys will search out Mr. Steven, their favorite librarian to reccomend new books or even a higher level that he knows would be appropriate. Most weeks, we check out between 25 and 30 books and we typically read them all if not more than once before it's time to go back again. At the library, we work on being quiet, being cordial to others, and how to pick out books. We read the titles, scan the pages to see if it is an appropriate level, and learn how to put it back, if we don't want to use it. If you are unsure on where to look for your child's level, don't be afraid to ask for a children's librarian for assistance. When we read as many books as we do, we can struggle to find new books after a while, and my boys will search out Mr. Steven, their favorite librarian to recommend new books or even a higher level that he knows would be appropriate.

After the library, we will run into stores to browse or get whatever we need. Not only does teaching on the go work well with getting in education when you can, it also entertains your kids. Think how bored you would be following someone around with no involvement. Boring, huh? They don't get as bored watching you shop because you are playing games with them. If your child is working on the alphabet, ask them to find you a letter and/or tell you what sound it makes. You could say, "I'm looking for a letter that makes the 'errr' sound, can you help me find it?" Start off easier and more obvious, then increase difficulty by looking farther away and in bigger words to keep interest. Build their confidence and cheer them on. If you are in a clothing store, ask them to find you a shirt in the color blue. Grocery stores and supermarkets have so much you can pull from. Finding an object, letter, color, word, product name, etc. can go on for a long time. Ask your child how many red cups are for sale on the shelf. Check prices, read off the grocery list with them, count off items in the grocery basket, etc. There is so much you can do with them and it's a wonderful experience for them.

The more you use this time with your kids, the more they will crave it. You are exposing them to the world around you on a personal level. Kids crave that attention and you are giving that to them WHILE getting what you need done. Don't feel guilty about being busy and having to tote your kids around with you. Make the most of it, because they grow up so fast.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on the Facebook page or via the site. We can discuss more ways to utilize this time with your kids.