This content was submitted by guest blogger, Laura Pearson from Edutude.net

Parents know that classroom instruction is only part of the equation when it comes to kids’ education. Expanding their knowledge and skills extends into everyday life – but coming up with ways to encourage and challenge your children can be tough. Try these tactics for engaging kids in academic subjects using real-world experiences, smart tools, and some sneaky strategies.

Use Nature to Build Skills (and Interests)

Spending time in nature is an excellent way to build kids’ skills and help them develop an interest in academic subjects. Immersion in nature is also a healthy way to take a break from modern life, reducing stress and helping entire families relax.

Younger kids can enjoy nature playtime with water, rocks, sticks, and other elements. From starting a rock collection to growing a backyard garden, there’s so much young kids can do (with a parent’s help) to explore and enjoy nature. Incorporating casual science lessons in the garden is another excellent way to grow kids’ curiosity and engage them in academic pursuits.

Utilize Technology for an Educational Advantage

It’s no secret that technology is part of every family’s future, no matter their views on screen time. Fortunately, there are benefits to exposing kids to tech, highlights Daily Mom, including advances in cognitive development, enhancement of motor skills, and even improvements in social skills. 

Even playing video games can help your children build skills, including problem-solving, improved understanding of distance and space, and creative thinking. To get the most out of their gaming experience, you’ll need a fast internet connection with low latency. 

Teach Life Skills as a Supplementary Subject

While home economics is a dying theme in schools, parents can address this crucial subject at home. Engaging kids with life skills activities helps prepare them for adulthood in fun ways. For example, learning kitchen skills is essential for independence later in life, explains Eating Well. Even young children can help measure ingredients, chop vegetables, knead dough, and more. Plus, eating their creations helps kids feel better about their efforts (and may encourage them to sample previously shunned foods, too).

Sewing is another helpful life skill that makes a great extracurricular activity. Knowing how to sew on a button or patch a hole can help kids later in life. Activities like knitting or crocheting can also help them develop hand-eye coordination and small motor skills.

Add Movement to Every Lesson

Especially for younger children, sitting still easily becomes a burden – especially when they’re struggling to focus on tough concepts. One way to help your little learners internalize what they’re studying is by incorporating movement into the lesson.

After all, studies show that physical activity jump-starts kids’ brains, even if the movement is unrelated to what they’re studying. That’s one reason why recess is so crucial during the school day. But parents can try the same techniques teachers utilize in the classroom, too. Breaking up study sessions with brain breaks, dance parties, and flexible seating options helps kids retain more information and focus better when they get back in their seats.

A child who is resistant to learning – or needs a challenge – will often become frustrated with academics. Fortunately, by taking a creative approach to learning beyond the classroom, parents can help their children learn more effectively. Bringing nature, technology, real-life experiences, and movement into your at-home exploration is an excellent way to boost kids’ knowledge and enjoyment of any subject.