Learning opportunities are all around us. They exist far beyond what’s in our curriculum books, and you may often find that your child tunes into learning new things more when they are presented in a more organic way. Whether you add it in as part of your home education curriculum, as as extra-curricular activity, or presented as spending time together or learning new skills, involving your children in home improvement projects have great benefits to all.
Here are three home improvement projects that you can work on with your kids to create a unique learning experience.
1. Plant a Vegetable Garden
Planting a garden is an easy DIY project that can provide countless hours of fun and learning experiences. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get their hands dirty together and learn about what kind of care plants need to thrive. It’s a long-term project, with plenty of opportunities to spend quality time learning together as you plant, water, weed and harvest your vegetables over the coming months.
Start by deciding what kind of vegetables you want to grow. Research how much light the plants need to thrive and then survey your yard with your child to find an ideal spot that will get the right balance of sunshine and shade.
Go to your local garden center to buy the proper soil, seeds (or starters) and some children’s gardening supplies. Get your child his own gardening gloves, shovel and watering can. Spread out the soil, then plant the seeds and water them. If you live in an area where animals might disturb your garden, add a wire fence around the perimeter to protect it.
2. Install a Home Security System
As a parent, one of your top responsibilities is to make your child feel safe. Adding a new home security system is one way to provide your entire family with peace of mind when you are home or away.
While older security systems had to be hardwired into your home, many of the latest high-tech options utilize wireless connectivity. Not only does this make them more accessible and easy to connect, but it also makes them easier to install, making this a great project to do with your kids.
Start by reviewing all of the systems different parts and their functions. Then, determine where to place each of the different components and why they need to be placed there. By involving your child in this process, she can develop a greater sense of security at home while also learning all about how a security system works.
3. Paint an Accent Wall
What kid doesn’t love to paint? When you add in the fun, fancy adult painting tools like rollers and detail brushes, as well as the permanence of painting on a wall, your child will be eager to help you tackle this project.
Start by prepping the area that you plan to paint. Tape off any edges or areas you don’t want to be painted, like along outlets, baseboards or the ceiling. Have your child lay out a drop cloth and gather all of the necessary painting supplies. Once the area has been properly prepared, get painting. Explain how much paint to put on your brush or roller and the importance of not using too much at once, in order to achieve an even coat of paint. By working together, you can be proud of how your teamwork transforms the space.
As a mom, you know you can turn any experience into a learning experience for your kids. With these easy DIY home projects, you and your kids can enjoy both the experience of working on the project and the finished product.
