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Writer's pictureKelsea Newman OTR/L

Tips for Teaching Your Child Outside of the Classroom

By Laura Pearson

Photo Credit: Pexels.com


As a loving parent, you hate to see your kid struggling in school. You want your child to enjoy their education — not dread it. Luckily, there are steps you can take at home to enhance your little one's overall learning experience. There are many platforms available for parents who want to help their children master tough school subjects or simply expand their general knowledge base. Be Free Occupational Therapy provides tools for parents who want to help their kids improve focus and avoid tantrums, making home-learning easier.


This is just one of the many resources available to help you further your child's educational journey, scholastically and developmentally. Read on for more.


Take sensory breaks to promote concentration


Kids love to explore the world around them, touching, tasting, and smelling seemingly everything they can get their hands on. However, sensory overload can result in a lack of focus and lead to meltdowns and tantrums. To keep your little one's sensory needs regulated, provide regular sensory breaks. A personally tailored sensory diet provides little ones with the controlled tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation they need to stay balanced. A simple online quiz can help determine your little one's needs.


Look to the great outdoors for educational experiences


If your child has trouble focusing inside, take your lessons outside. Many kids find outdoor learning more engaging and spending time in nature also reduces stress and improves attention spans. The great outdoors is also a wonderful classroom. For example, you can teach your little one about plants and animals by going on a "safari" in your own backyard. Write down a list of items they should look for, from certain birds to particular flowers. Earth Science Junior provides a list of other possible activities, from planting a garden to collecting rocks. Just make sure to check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly.


Use culinary activities like cooking and baking for STEM teaching


If your child is struggling with math or science topics, head to the kitchen. Baking and cooking are wonderful ways to teach these subjects. Take baking, for example. Your child will learn fractions and ratios by measuring out ingredients. You will have the opportunity to visually show 1 cup versus a 1/2 cup. Baking can also teach chemistry. Check out the American Chemical Society's ChemClub Cookbook for recipes that offer delicious dishes alongside a lesson. Cooking together is also a wonderful way to teach social skills like collaboration. You can further use the opportunity to teach your child about food supply and the importance of not wasting food.


Turn to music as a means of improving language skills


Music is a wonderful educational tool that can be used to teach language skills at any age. If your child is younger, singing songs together gives them the chance to practice their native language skills. Older kids who are learning foreign languages can also use singing to hone their skills. Foreign-language music videos on YouTube are a great way to get started. Kids can also get up and dance while they're at it. Providing kids with movement breaks like this can help them get out excess energy and encourage concentration. In general, give your little one the freedom of movement with flexible seating, allowing them to lie down or sit on the ground instead of forcing them to sit at a desk.


A well-rounded education doesn't have to take place in the traditional classroom. The above tips and tools can help you encourage a more positive learning environment at home.


Be Free Occupational Therapy empowers parents to find alternative ways to help their kids thrive. Kelsea Newman is a pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to helping parents perform at-home therapy to create a more harmonious and peaceful home environment. Find out more about the sensory parent academy online.


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