Bridging the Gap Between Home and School Learning

As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. While we often think of school as the primary place where learning happens, the early years spent in childcare are crucial. It’s a time of rapid development, and by continuing that education at home, you’re not just supporting your child’s growth—you’re actively building on their journey in childcare education together.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies and tips that can help you create a consistent and supportive learning environment for your child at home. From understanding the childcare curriculum to engaging in interactive activities and celebrating achievements, we’ve included everything you need to know about bridging the gap between home and school learning.

Understanding the Childcare Curriculum

Understanding the childcare curriculum is key to extending that learning at home. Childcare programs are designed to introduce children to a wide range of subjects and activities, from early literacy and numeracy skills to social and emotional development. Beyond the academic side, these programs also focus on helping children develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

So, how can you stay informed about what your child is learning? One of the best ways is to have regular conversations with your childcare providers. Ask about the themes or topics they’re covering each week and find out which skills your child is working on. You can also take advantage of daily reports and progress meetings. By staying informed, you’ll be better prepared to engage with your child’s lessons in a positive home environment.

Daily Reports and Progress Meetings

Daily reports and progress meetings are like a window into your child’s world at childcare. These tools give you insights into what your little one is learning, how they’re developing, and what areas might need a bit more focus. But it’s not just about reading a report—it’s about using that information to support your child’s growth at home.

When you receive a daily report, take a few minutes to go over it with your child. Ask them about their day, what they enjoyed, and what they found challenging. This not only helps reinforce what they’ve learned, but also encourages them to reflect on their experiences. During progress meetings, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out what your child is excelling at and where they might need a little extra help. You can tailor your home activities to complement and support what’s happening at childcare.

Creating a Consistent Learning Environment at Home 

One of the most effective ways to set up a learning environment at home is to create a dedicated learning space. This doesn’t have to be a big, fancy room—it could be a cosy corner with a small table, some shelves for books and toys, and a comfortable place to sit. The key is to create a space where your child feels comfortable and inspired to learn at their own pace.

And don’t forget to make learning fun! Look for ways to turn everyday activities into learning opportunities. For example, when they’re helping you to bake, you can use this activity to show them how to measure ingredients to reinforce numeracy skills.

Learning Spaces and Materials

When it comes to creating a learning space at home, think about what will best suit your child’s needs and interests. A simple setup with a few key items can go a long way. For example, you might include a table for drawing and writing, shelves for books and puzzles, and bins for educational toys. The goal is to make learning accessible and enjoyable.

Educational toys and materials are also important. Look for items that align with the activities your child is doing in childcare. For example, if they’re working on fine motor skills, consider toys like building blocks, play-dough, or threading beads. If they’re learning about numbers and letters, include puzzles, flashcards, and counting games. By providing these resources at home, you’re reinforcing what they’re learning at childcare and giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Establishing a Daily Routine 

Routines help children understand what to expect and create a sense of order in their day. A well-structured routine should balance learning, play, and rest, ensuring that your child gets the most out of each day.

Here’s an example of a simple daily routine:

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast, followed by a learning activity related to what they’re doing in childcare (e.g., reading a book or working on a puzzle).

Midday:

• Allow time for free play and outdoor activities to keep them active and engaged.

Afternoon:

• After lunch, have another focused learning session, perhaps involving a hands-on craft or an educational game.

Evening:

• Wind down the day with some quiet time, such as reading a bedtime story or talking about their day.

The goal is to create a routine that works for your family and supports your child’s learning journey. Flexibility is important too—don’t be afraid to adjust the routine as needed to keep things fresh and engaging.

Engaging in Interactive Learning Activities

Interactive learning activities help to reinforce what your child is learning in childcare while making education fun and engaging. These activities encourage hands-on learning and creativity, helping children to explore new ideas and concepts through play.

Educational Games and Crafts

Educational games are a great way to involve learning through play. Whether it’s a simple board game like Snakes and Ladders that teaches counting and number recognition or a memory game that helps with cognitive skills, there are plenty of options to choose from. Crafts are another wonderful way to engage your child’s creativity while reinforcing what they’re learning. For example, if they’re studying animals, you could make animal masks together. If they’re learning about shapes, create a collage using different shapes cut out from coloured paper. These activities not only reinforce what your child is learning but also provide a valuable opportunity for you to spend quality time together. Plus, they’re a lot of fun!

Outdoor Learning Opportunities 

Outdoor activities offer endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and learning. Whether it’s a nature walk, a trip to the park, or just playing in the backyard, being outside helps children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

For example, you could turn a simple walk into a learning adventure by looking for different types of leaves, insects, or birds. Or, you could create a small garden together, teaching your child about plants, soil and the importance of caring for living things. Outdoor activities like these not only reinforce what your child is learning in childcare but also help them develop a love for nature and the environment.

Encouraging Social and Emotional Development 

Social and emotional development are just as important as academic learning. It’s all about helping your child develop the skills they need to interact with others, manage their emotions, and build healthy relationships. 

Role-Playing and Group Activities

Role-playing games help children to develop their social skills. By using puppets as characters to express emotions or acting out scenarios from their favourite stories, children learn how to interact with others, solve problems and express their feelings. You can also encourage social development by organising playdates or group activities. These give your child the chance to practise their social skills in a real-world setting, helping them build confidence and make friends.

Emotional Literacy Activities 

Emotional literacy is all about helping children understand and express their emotions. There are plenty of activities you can do at home to support this. For example, you could create an emotion chart together, where your child can point to how they’re feeling each day. Or, you could read books that talk about different emotions and discuss the characters’ feelings. These types of activities help children develop empathy and emotional regulation, which are crucial for their overall well-being.

Involving Family Members in the Learning Process

Learning doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Involving other family members in the learning process can make it more enjoyable and rewarding. When everyone in the family is engaged in your child’s education, it creates a supportive environment that encourages lifelong learning. 

Collaborative Learning Projects

Collaborative projects are a great way to get the whole family involved. Whether it’s a camping trip, assembling a jigsaw puzzle or a family art project, working together on a common goal teaches teamwork and cooperation. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories. 

Tracking Progress and Celebrating Achievements 

One of the best ways to keep your child motivated and excited about learning is by tracking their progress and celebrating their achievements. This not only helps them see how far they’ve come, but also reinforces the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Progress Charts and Journals

Progress charts and learning journals are simple yet effective tools for tracking your child’s development. A progress chart can be as straightforward as a sticker chart where your child earns a sticker for each new skill they master. This visual representation of their achievements can be incredibly motivating, as it allows your child to see how their efforts are paying off. It also provides an opportunity for you to celebrate their success together, reinforcing the positive behaviours and learning habits they’re developing.

A learning journal is another valuable tool that can serve as both a record of your child’s educational journey and a keepsake to look back on in years to come. In a learning journal, you can document the milestones your child reaches, jot down your observations about their progress, and even include photos or examples of their work. This can be a fun and rewarding project to work on together, giving your child a sense of ownership over their learning process.

Celebrating Success

Celebrating success is a powerful way to encourage continued learning and growth. When your child achieves a milestone—whether it’s learning a new letter, solving a puzzle, or mastering a dance move—it’s important to acknowledge their hard work and effort. This doesn’t have to involve big rewards; sometimes, a simple high-five, a word of praise, or a special treat is enough to make them feel proud of their accomplishments. 

This positive reinforcement not only boosts your child’s confidence, but also helps to instil a lifelong love of learning. By celebrating their successes, you’re showing your child that their efforts are valued and appreciated, which can be a powerful motivator for future learning.

Bringing It All Together: Your Role in Bridging the Learning Gap 

As parents, being actively involved in your child’s education is essential in bridging the gap between home and school learning. By staying informed about your child’s curriculum, creating a supportive learning environment at home, and engaging in activities that reinforce their education, you’re helping to create a seamless and enriching learning experience. 

At The Green Elephant, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s through providing daily reports, offering suggestions for home activities or being available to answer your questions, we’re committed to working with you to ensure your child’s success. We understand that education is a partnership between childcare providers and parents, and together, we can help your child reach their full potential on their journey through childcare and in their transition to school.

For more information on how we can support your child’s educational journey, contact The Green Elephant today.