Bring out the FUN in Learning!

As I ponder over the grave word – “Education”, I conclude: Education should be meaningful to the child. Would you be interested in studying something which has no value in your life? A child also wonders why he is studying a particular subject. Will it be useful to him/her in her daily life?

Today, one of my students argued, “Why have Science compulsory till Std. X?” I told him that it was essential to know basic science. He reasoned that knowing the nitty-gritty of the very insides of a plant and its processes would not be useful to him. He maintained that it was quite detailed. I was surprised by the gusto with which he argued with me. He would rather learn something which interests him and is useful to him.

A child’s learning should not be limited to just the textbook but become part of her daily life. It can then make children realize the usefulness of their learning. If this is done from an early age, it would make learning not only thoughtful but fun.

Here are simple examples of application of classroom learning.
If your child is learning the topic of “Measurement”, the concept of a common unit versus the early units of hand span and foot span can be interestingly used. Ask your child to measure his/her hand span. Now, ask her to measure the length of your bed. Tell her you need to get a bed sheet for the same bed. What measure should it be? Dad’s, Mom’s or her hand span? Now, ask her to use a standard ruler for the same. What is the difference?

The kitchen is a great place for many activities. If your children are learning about food, this is what you can do.

Lay out lots of different types of fruits and vegetables. Ask children to identify them. Talk about their colour, shape, taste, smell, can it be eaten raw or cooked, in which season they are grown, what do these foods give us - vitamins, minerals and so on. Invite your children's friends and have fun together.

I am sure many of you have done such fun activities. Do share with us.


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