As parents, we are all teaching our children. We are raising them to adulthood - to learn social skills, to learn to read, to learn to think on their own, to love math, to learn to problem solve, to be organized and to keep a schedule. Your child is learning all the time - not just when they are at school.

Family learning is about parents and children learning together. Make learning part of everything you do. The list is endless: playing games that combine math and reading, listening to educational music, cooking together, explaining how things work, looking up answers to questions and more. It is something all family members can take part in and encourages working with your child's teacher to see how you can compliment learning at school.

Family learning also allows children to learn at their own speed and interest. For example, a parent working individually with their child to build math skills has the opportunity to follow the child’s own natural curiosity and explore new topics. Learning can, and should be, a fun part of your time spent together.

Start by finding something that the whole family can learn – history, music, art, maybe a new language. How about re-learning the math you forgot? Parents will have fun as they learn along with their children. Family learning is rewarding for everyone. Family members spend quality time together and parents are able to take part in their child’s education. Parents will also gain an understanding of their child’s learning style, which can be helpful when working with their teacher.

Schooling is only one of the many tools that help children on their developmental journey. We parents are there to provide support, overall guidance and to contribute what we can. With the help of the internet and local libraries, we have information and answers at our fingertips. It has never been easier for parents to get involved. Take control of your child’s education. Instill a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

Susan Jarema is the founder of Googol Learning and the Crazy 4 Math Contest. Susan and her Googol Power characters are now visiting schools and libraries to promote family learning and ways to combine reading and math.

The Learning with Googol Power website has many FREE resources such as music downloads, online videos, printable games, worksheets and e-books to inspire mathematics in your home. http://www.googolpower.com

Crazy 4 Math Contest http://www.crazy4math.com

School Fundraisers http://www.googollearning.com

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