· Make regular trips to the library. Combine these outings with other fun things, such as a visit to the ice cream shop.
· Make your own calendar with a simple activity for each day. For instance, have small children count the cars that go past the house, dictate a story and draw a picture to go with it or create an alphabet journal by cutting pictures from a magazine that start with each letter then pasting them in a spiral bound notebook.
· While you’re busy in the kitchen, give your preschooler a pair of children’s scissors and ask his to cut out pictures from the newspaper or magazines. Use the pictures to make a grocery list. If your child recognizes some letters you can also ask her to find those letters and cut them out.
· Ask your child to match and stack dishes of similar sizes and shapes. Also, have your child sort silverware – forks with forks, spoons with spoons.
· Make a list of a few clearly printed, commonly used phone numbers (relatives, friends, etc). If your child recognizes numbers, ask him to read the numbers and dial them for you. This gives your child practice reading numbers from left to right and a chance to use the phone.
· Turn a snack into a shape matching game. Cut bread into two of each shape (squares, rectangles, triangles, circles). Ask your child to match similar shapes.
· Ask your child to find certain letters on boxes, cans of food and household supplies.
· For elementary-aged children, gather bus route maps and schedules to a special place (i.e. museum or sports event). Let your child plan a trip for friends or family. Have him figure out the travel time required, the cost and the best time to make the trip.
· Post a world map next to the TV set. Watch the TV news with your child and have her locate world news spots.
· Use local ethnic shops, food stores and restaurants to expose children to other cultures through food.
· At laundry time, have your child sort and count socks, sheets or other items.
· Teach young children how to wash up and measure and prepare a simple snack, such as a sandwich or no-bake cookies. This encourages early math skills.

Also checkout our September 2000 Show "Early Brain Development"