Object lessons

Learning doesn't just happen in school. I look for opportunities to incorporate it in every day activities. When my son was younger, we spent an hour or so everyday doing arts and crafts, reading and learning and he had no idea.
Grocery shopping was a great place to teach colors, shapes, comparisons and healthy eating. Now that my son is older we discuss money management and budgeting when we shop.
Once a month we go to the Kirby Science Center at the Washington Pavilion. It's a hands on museum, and it's helped him to love science and want to learn more. In fact, he's entering their science fair because of what he's learned going there.
Gardening is another pursuit we do together that is a great learning tool. Planting seeds, watching them grow, harvesting them are terrific educational opportunities.
The time we spend taking care of our pets is another great learning time. Feeding them, brushing them and walking our dog are all chances to learn outside of school. The neighborhood nature walks alone are priceless.
There are so many different ways to teach where kids don't realize it!