Making the most of the world

Our surroundings are full of learning opportunities for a child, writes John Muturi

For a child, a school is a place of learning, but so are many other places. In fact, there is no part of our environment, starting with the home, that can’t be termed a place of learning.

For instance, a trip to the museum or animal orphanage is more than a pleasant family outing. Children learn a lot about natural history and animal development and about human responsibility to other species. A tour of a well laid out museum or art gallery can be lots of fun.

It would, however, be a pity if parents became too solemn about family outings, tried too hard to choose places just because they were full of educational potential. Remember, a child will learn most at the places she enjoys visiting.

Children gain a lot when they accompany their parents to do shopping, or take the washing to the drycleaners. Each situation gives a child incentive to ask questions and a mother the chance to encourage curiosity by answering those questions.

Curiosity is valuable. The parent who dismisses a child’s questions, and complains of her constant stream of questions, is doing her a grave disservice. You don’t have to give immediate answers. It is perfectly reasonable to say, “Not now-I’ll explain later”, so long as you fulfil your promise.

organisations

A child doesn’t consider you any less when you admit you don’t know. She is let down by a mother or father who says, “Stop bothering me!” This is because she feels the parent doesn’t care about her enough to tell her. But if she says, “I don’t know; let’s find out,” the child admires her as the fount of all knowledge because he/she knows how to find out.

There are many shows, talks and entertainments for children, especially during school holidays, which your child can benefit from. Also, encourage her to join organisations like boys scout and girl guides and clubs. Additionally, encourage hobbies. For example, stamp collecting teaches geography; bird watching is natural history while photography and collecting of any sort absorb children and help them to use logical thought and manual skills. Public libraries like the Kenya National Library Services have excellent books on all types of hobbies and can advise on reading materials of specific subjects.

Encourage visitors to your home because contact with different people is stimulating and offers learning possibilities. This also imparts valuable social skills on children. Make your home as interesting and stimulating as you can.

Satisfy curiosity

Have serious conversations with your child on subjects that are not just part of the day-to-day living. Don’t overprotect her. Telling an enquiring five-year-old that babies come from hospitals is far from educational. To shrug away questions about death, war or violence does not satisfy curiosity, but sows seeds of fear in a child.

The home provides the best learning environment for a child. However, ensure you:

•     Understand that your words won’t always stop your child from doing something unsafe. When that happens, take firm action to stop her then tell her why you did it.

•     Be available to move in instantly when action is needed.

•     Put away anything that she can easily damage or that can hurt her.