Children need active, even
noisy, learning as well as quiet learning such as reading. Active learning includes
asking and answering questions (and trying to get more than just "yes" or "no"
answers); solving problems; and discussing a variety of topics.
Active learning can also take place when a child plays sports, spends time
with friends, or goes to a museum or zoo. The active learning suggestions in
the next sections will help you think of even more things for you and you children
to do. 
Limit TV watching. Watching TV is an example of a quiet activity that children can learn from, but one that is a problem in almost every home. We know that children who watch a lot of TV learn less and get lower grades than students who watch little TV. And in international comparisons, U.S. students rank high in watching TV, but are near the bottom in doing homework. The result is that U.S. students know less than those in other countries.
Encourage active learning. What can we do? We can listen to our children's ideas and respond to them. We can let them jump in with questions and opinions when reading books together. When this type of give-and-take between parent and child happens at home, a child's participation and interest in school increases.
