Turning Everyday Experiences Into Learning Opportunities

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While the importance of early learning is widely understood, there are not many resources helping parents foster specific skills vital to their child's successful transition to school. Given the wide set of socio-emotional and academic skills a child needs to learn, it can be tough for parents to know how to prepare their child for school. It can also be challenging for parents to recognize that learning opportunities can occur during everyday moments, and that they can be an important component in helping children get ready for school.

Acknowledging the need for more parent resources in this area, Sesame Workshop partnered with PNC to develop Learning Is Everywhere, a project that helps parents turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities. Developed in 2008, Learning Is Everywhere is the latest phase of the Happy, Healthy, Ready for School program, which acquaints parents and teachers with the skills needed for school readiness, and is designed to help parents, grandparents, and caregivers play a greater role in their child's learning.

When Sesame Workshop's researchers studied the effectiveness of the project's first phase, they saw that parents wanted more information on how to identify and incorporate activities into their already busy parenting schedules. Learning Is Everywhere responds directly to these needs, by identifying learning moments in every child's daily routines and offering suggestions requiring little to no extra time for parents to do with their children. Sesame Workshop curriculum specialist Rocio Galarza recalls the team's decision to organize the learning opportunities around a child's day.

"What are they doing in the morning? What are they doing in the afternoon? What are they doing at night? And what learning moments can we find within those times that can help parents prepare their children for school?" Galarza says, noting that many everyday moments can turn into great teaching tools that will impact a child's development.

The project helps parents recognize opportunities to spark a child's imagination. In the mornings, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and traveling to a child care program, all provide opportunities for discussion and exploration. In the afternoon, opportunities may include shopping, running errands, and preparing dinner. For example, at the grocery store, a parent and child can discuss the colors, shapes, and flavors of the foods in their basket. Winding down for the evening also offers chances for children to learn and connect with parents. What special activities did they do that day? What were some moments that made them share a laugh? Remembering the day's fun and experiences can get children excited for the days ahead.

Project resources include a DVD that features an original half-hour story with Elmo and Abby Cadabby, a parents' and caregivers' magazine that contains activities and tips, a wipe-off children's activity booklet, and activity cards full of ways to keep children learning throughout the day. All of these elements are also available online.

When Galarza met with parents and teachers to gauge their reaction to Learning Is Everywhere, she was excited to learn that they found it extremely useful. Teachers are using the materials in parent meetings and workshops to explain the critical role parents have in their children's learning and development and how they can take advantage of daily routines to set their children's path towards life long learning.

"It's become a tool that both parents and … teachers really value," Galarza says.

Score one for early learning!



Funding Partners

PNC Financial Services Group