Sara Rayvych

Parenting Pearls

A Rich Learning Environment

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

If you’ve read some of my previous articles, you may have noticed that certain school subjects haven’t really been discussed in-depth: science, history and geography, among others. I will reassure you that I’ve taught these subjects both in the classroom and to my children in our homeschool. The reason for this omission is two-fold. The first reason I haven’t stressed these subjects is simply because these articles have been mostly geared towards the current pandemic and the omitted subjects are not, in my humble opinion, the first priority for children that are struggling. They’re not subjects that build upon each other to the same degree as math and reading. As an example, if you don’t learn about Japan this year, it doesn’t mean you can’t study India next year. But there is also another reason that I haven’t stressed these subjects. While I will often teach these subjects formally, I often rely on an informal teaching method that I refer to as a “rich learning environment.”

What does it mean to make your home into a rich learning environment?

Making your home into a rich learning environment means you’ve created an environment where learning occurs naturally and nearly effortlessly. Rather than formally teaching a topic, you provide tools and opportunities so your child can learn the same material but in a non-stressful and enjoyable manner. It does involve a little thought to set up but it’s easier than it sounds. “traditional” vs. “nontraditional” teaching methods. It’s rather unfortunate that we have such a narrow definition of education. Our initial assumptions are that only textbooks and workbooks produce real learning. Nothing could be further from the truth! Textbooks and workbooks definitely have their place in teaching but don’t limit yourself; some of the best learning happens outside the traditional, standard framework.

Last year, Class 2F of Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam ended the year with an excellent example of a less traditional teaching method when they received a very special lesson. Their morah, Miss Zytman, visited (with appropriate social distancing) every student so that each girl could personally sign the Declaration of Independence. Yes, each child personally signed the document with her own signature as part of this lesson. By the next year, those girls may or may not remember the pages of their textbook but they will certainly remember this particular lesson. I think most of us can fondly recall a special or unique lesson from our childhood.

Children tend to better remember learning that is active, real, and interesting. There’s only so much a child will retain when reading a chapter on the colonies. Alternatively, a child will remember much more if the same lesson on the colonies was taught using a trip to a colonial era town, through acting in a play, or as part of a fascinating, historical fiction novel.

There are so many out-of-the-box options available. As an example, we have enjoyed teaching about maps using the maps provided by the zoo, amusement park, or other attractions. They’re so much more interesting than regular maps and kids can understand why reading a map is important; it’s the best way to find the animals or attractions you want to see.

Bringing the lessons home

I understand that parents have limited time and may find it daunting to plan such involved and creative

Children tend to better remember learning that is active, real, and interesting.

lessons. The exciting part is you can make your home into a “rich learning environment” without much time or stress. There are many options available for all learning styles and for all income levels. Pick what works and make it happen.

Books/magazines: You guessed it; teachers can never get enough of books. I try to keep our family library loaded with books on topics I want them to study. The books range from biographies and historical fiction to science, math, and other topics. I have some interesting and easy-toread textbooks thrown into the group. When planning next year’s curriculum, I include some enjoyable books (at various reading levels) for the kids to enjoy. For example, to supplement science and history, this year’s shopping list includes interesting books on colonial times and Lewis and Clark’s adventures along with kid-friendly biographies on Albert Einstein, Galileo, and Isaac Newton. I made sure to purchase series of books that I know my kids like so they’ll actually read them. I buy books that I know the kids will enjoy since I want these to be books they’ll pick up and read during their free time. The list also includes some educational coloring books.

Always check books before giving them to your children to ensure content meets your standards. Some suggested series are The Magic Tree House, DK Readers, the “Who was….” series, and the “If you lived in…” series. I designate some of our “tuition” towards our home library but there are plenty of lower budget options including library books, digital books (purchased and library), and used books. Most of the books in the series I suggested are under $5; some were under $3.

Trips: Trips are amazing but hard to do currently; I’m including them in this article anyway. Hopefully some nature preserves will open up soon. We often do chol hamoed or family

exploring their own backyards. Kids can get very curious about their natural surroundings and want to learn more about what they’ve seen outside. We’ve just turned your backyard into an educational field trip. You can pair this with an educational video, website or book. We’ve purchased field guides Signing the Declaration of Independence in Amazing Savings. Many places trips to places that are also education- are currently offering virtual tours for al. The zoo, aquarium, Old Westbury free, and it’s worth seeing what they Gardens, Old Bethpage Village Resto- have to offer. ration, Tanglewood Preserve, Jamai- Tapes/CDs/MP3s: There are ca Bay and Cold Spring Harbor Fish so many audio options that are enHatchery are all fun places to go, and tertaining and educational. We have the kids learn “accidentally.” many CDs with Jewish stories and

The truth is, kids learn a lot from parsha. I know there are many Jewish

and secular audio books and professional storytellers. I know of homeschool families that kept these stories in their car to listen to when traveling. I’ve played these in the house, even if only as background noise.

Videos and websites: I’m not a big fan of screen time but even I can’t deny the vast amount of information out there. The Living Torah Museum has an entire video series which teaches about animals and history from a Torah perspective. Google Maps and Google Earth can be used to visit not only local places but all over the world. The internet needs to be supervised but there are plenty of wholesome options available.

Toys: Kids learn by playing, and the most basic toys are often the best ones for development. Building toys are wonderful and encourage early physics. Keva and similar plank blocks are so much fun and are designed according to Fibonacci numbers (a specific mathematical sequence). Lego even has a special education department. Cash registers and pretend stores give math and money practice.

Kids love to do crafts and work with their hands. My kids have had a blast with clay and have done everything from pottery to making bricks and building detailed homes. You can purchase models to build for almost any topic including ancient ships, historical architecture, or modern planes.

Learning can, and should, be both fun and natural. Don’t limit yourself to traditional learning and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. There are enjoyable, nontraditional ways to learn every subject. Ask your kids what interests them. You may be surprised.

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, has her master’s in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 10 years in Far Rockaway. She can be contacted at RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.