There is nothing more powerful than sharing the gift of knowledge with a child. Every moment presents an opportunity to enrich, encourage and share in the power of molding and shaping the future.
Learning comes naturally when an environment has been properly created. Children naturally migrate to those things that intrigue or empower them. Great teachers, whether a formal educator, or a patient parent or friend, understand that things when forced are never fully realized nor are they fruitful to a child in the quest for knowledge.
Something as simple as a walk in the park can turn into a laboratory when the gentle and patient hands of a grandfather explains to a child why, for example, ducks, like people, must eat in order to live.
The great thing too about learning is the fact that the most valuable lessons; the ones that will carry you through a lifetime, are FREE.
Here are a few tips to enrich that special someone in your life.
- Do an internet search to stay informed about free activities in your community. Use these activities to make a calendar and share in these activities with your child.
- Plan a scavenger hunt; making a list of things to find before embarking on your journey.
- Create a map of your community and follow the map to the different streets and landmarks. Allow your child to navigate your tour.
- Become familiar with local state parks and discover all the free things you can do with your child to teach them about rivers, lakes and indigenous plants and animals in your area and what you can do to protect them. Make a list.
- Use your list from your park visit to create a scrap book to record the experience.