10 Ways Parents Can Supplement Their Children's Learning at Home

1. Read to your child, and have them read to you.

Take your child to the library and have them select books they are interested in. For older children, you might choose to read them classic literature.

2. Visit museums, zoos, art galleries and historical places.

These types of interactive and hands-on learning experiences are invaluable. Budgets cuts in your child's school may be limiting these types of trips; take it upon yourself to make sure your child is exposed to these cultural and artistic ventures.

3. Make even small errands simple learning experiences.

During a car ride count every red car you pass, for example, or encourage your child to read billboards and road signs. Have your child count items in the grocery cart or count change after you've checked out.

4. Utilize online educational resources.

Many teachers use them, and there's no reason that parents can't access them as well. Sites like Funbrain and Brainpop! offer videos, quizzes, worksheets and other online activities to engage and inform children. If you do not have computer access at home then workbooks, flashcards and educational games can be used.

5. Get your child involved in extracurricular activities.

Music lessons, gymnastics, sports, dance or other activities will engage and challenge their bodies and minds in ways not emphasized in regular school curricula.

6. Monitor TV watching.

Some TV time should be spent as a family watching the news to keep children aware of what is going on in the world around them. Tuning into Discovery and the History Channel is also a wise choice.

7. Assign chores.

Helping around the house can instill responsibility in children, which could translate into taking responsibility when it comes to schoolwork. Doing chores can help children manage their time and work independently, both of which are important for completing school projects.

8. Encourage play time with friends.

This can help children build social skills and foster creativity.

9. Also encourage children to spend time with adults.

These could be relatives, neighbors, church members or co-workers. Outside of parents and teachers, some children have little interaction with adults. Adults with interesting hobbies or fascinating careers could inspire and teach children.

10. Set aside at least 20 minutes per day to discuss what your child learned that day in school.

You might offer insight not discussed in class and lead your child to look at what they have studied more closely.