A Half Dozen Super Saving
Educational Activities for Kids and Families
Teaching kids how to learn will go a long way in helping
them be more successful in school. With all the
educational materials marketed to parents, one would
think it takes a sizeable budget to teach kids the
skills they need to succeed in today's electronic world.
This is simply not true. Basic skills required for
learning are the same as they have always been. Children
need to have inquiring minds that propel them to find
out about the world around them. They need basic
decoding skills that will help them learn to read and an
understanding of fundamental concepts that will help
them become proficient at Math. There are many easy and
inexpensive activities you can do with your children
that will help them become keen learners. Try some of
the following and reap the spin-off rewards of spending
time with your children.
1. Read, read and read some more. Kids learn from your
example, so make reading a part of their lives from
Birth and beyond. You will probably want to buy some new
books for your child's collection but there are also
lots of inexpensive ways to get your hands on books.
Garage sales, secondhand stores, clear out sales,
friends and relatives, and the local library are some
resources you can tap into.
2. Experiences teach children a bundle about their
world. If you live in the city, schedule a trip to a
friend or relative's farm. Don't know anyone. Ask around
and let your friend's know you want to visit a farm and
there will be someone who knows someone who will help
you out. If you live in the country, take a trip to the
city for no other reason than to explore with your
child. Visit high rises and ride the elevators, stop by
repair shops such as shoe and bicycle stores to see how
things are fixed. Some larger cities have underground
tunnels that allow you to visit many places in the city
center while remaining indoors. Other places to visit
include the airport, fire station, ferry dock, farmer's
market, television studio, garden center, and pet
stores. Pack a fun bag lunch and you're sure to have a
great day.
3. Stock up on inexpensive craft items. Keep a box
handy to throw in items such as tin cans, cardboard,
used ribbon and wrapping paper, old jewelry, sewing
supplies, styrofoam, wallpaper and whatever else you
might have. Buy craft items such as googly eyes, sparkle
glue, beads, felt and craft foam when they are on sale.
These items will inspire creativity in your child for
some great homemade fun. Borrow craft books from the
library and make inexpensive gifts for friends.
4. Make some homemade play dough by mixing 1/2 C.
Salt, 1 C. Flour, 2 tsp. Cream of Tartar, 1 T. Oil and 1
C. of Water plus a couple drops of food coloring. Stir
and cook over low heat until it turns rubbery. Knead.
Roll out long snakes of dough and use to shape letters
of the alphabet and numbers for beginning learners. Make
cookie cutter cutouts and use to solve number sentences.
For example: Tracy had 5 stars. Her teacher gave her 3
more stars. How many stars does she have in all? Make
game pieces for games like Tic Tac Toe. Try making play
dough dice to use with other games. Let their
imaginations be your guide.
5. Save containers from food products and help your
child set up a store with a toy cash register. Cardboard
apple boxes from the grocery store make great shelves.
Use money to teach them how to buy items and make
change. A shopping cart and grocery bags add to the fun.
6. Get together with other parents and plan an
educational play day. Each family is responsible for
providing one educational game or activity. Make a
station for each activity so the children can rotate and
try each one. Use simple math, spelling, vocabulary and
language games. You could set up stations involving
measuring using sand or dry cereal. Don't forget
puzzles, blocks and water play areas as well. This is a
great way to share ideas while having fun and learning
together with others.
