Find Teachable Moments in Your Daily Routine
July 19, 2018
However, from the time your child wakes up until the time she goes to sleep at night, there are countless opportunities for learning and growing. Here are a few examples of “teachable moments” you can employ throughout the day:
The commute. Many parents spend a good chunk of time each day in our cars, commuting to and from work or school. Rather than zone out listening to the radio, it’s the perfect time to engage your children in a fun but enriching activity. Make up silly rhymes, ask your child to count all the cars painted her favorite color, or even listen to an audio story and talk about it together afterwards.
Walking the dog. A dog provides the perfect excuse to take a walk with your child and, along the way, show her what’s going on in the world around you. Talk about the changes that take place during the seasons, and the evidence of that transformation in your surroundings. Ask older children to evaluate the environment and make an educated guess as to whether you’re experiencing a drought or an excess of precipitation, and explain why. Weather patterns and the ecosystem provide great lessons, just a few steps out your front door.
Whatever your daily routine, you can teach your children something new no matter how much (or little) time you have. Some of the best learning happens without your child even knowing you’re teaching them!