How to Make the Most Out of Your Child's Education

I have three children. Among them, we have homeschooled, utilized private education and public school. I found that homeschooling was the best option educationally for my kids, yet they have wanted to try public school and enjoy some of the other aspects that you receive in a larger setting.

Following are some great ideas that I am using to boost the education my children receive through public education. They are easy, require no training and will cost you very little, if anything. Add a few to your routine and help fill in the gaps where teachers are unable to reach.

Put a Stop to Knowledge Vomiting

If public school teachers were given the time, resources and small class size, they would happily create projects and lessons that helped each child retain everything they are learning. Unfortunately, it becomes common for children to memorize facts and simply regurgitate them back onto a test. When your child is studying for a test, study with them. Ask them questions. When they give their answer, ask follow-up questions.

Recently my daughter was studying for a science test. She spouted off the two best characteristics to use in identifying a mineral. I then asked, "What are some other characteristics? Why are those two better options?" We had to stop and look them up to figure out the answer because she had forgotten. I took the time to find some amazing pictures online of minerals. We explored together. She was able to write down the two-word answer on the test the next day, but I knew there was now some substance behind her answer.

Be Creative

Games can help to add fun to any activity, and they reinforce learning. Is tomorrow the weekly spelling test? Ask your child to go to the far end of the house. Yell out the words for them to spell. Each time one is spelled correctly, they can take a giant step toward the kitchen. Waiting for them, upon completion, is some sort of treat.

Make flash cards with math problems. Use an old Candy Land board. Each time a question is answered correctly, that person moves that number of spaces.