As a Primary Teacher, I am amazed at the broad spectrum of knowledge that some children have. Some kids come to school knowing how to read and write the alphabet, they can write their name and some other small words and they can tie their own shoes. Others haven't even seen or heard of the alphabet, cannot count to 10 and haven't even attempted to tie they own shoes. It makes for a very challenging experience as a teacher to accomodate for all the different levels of knowledge. I guess it's our job though!
Anyway, it got me thinking. What can I do to help prepare Gabby for school while she is still so young? What can I do in these next few years while she is at home, to build up her knowledge so that she isn't left behind before she even starts?
I don't want to be on her back all the time - and I don't expect her to be able to read "War and Peace" by the time she is 5.
I would, however, expect her to be able to write her name, recite the alphabet (and have some general knowledge of letters and language - maybe even write a couple of simple words like "cat" and "dog"), be able to count to 10 (and maybe even write the numbers) and be well on her way to doing things like tying her shoes, helping to pack her bag and being responsible with her belongings.

I was thinking about how I could go about some of this by incorporating learning into every day life. I found a list on the Department of Education and Training Website that I thought might be of some use. Some things, I imagine, people do all the time with their children anyway!
* Sing songs and play games like "I Spy"
* Sing finger play songs such as "Where is Thumbkin" and "Incy Wincy Spider" to encourage finger dexterity and interest in rhythm, rhyme and words.
*Talk about letters, words and numbers children see when shopping, on television, in books and on computer screens.
*Provide pens, pencils, thin crayons, felt-tipped pens, junior scissors, paste and paper for your child and show them how to use them.
* Show your child how to hold writing tools approriately with whichever hand feels most comfortable.
*Join the local library and borrow books and toys.
*Talk about and draw characters and events from books.
*Let your child help with cooking - pouring, measuring, stirring, counting cups and spoonfuls.
*Count and sort things together - washing, cutlery, groceries etc.
*Talk to your child how you use clocks, calandars and diaries.
*Do jigsaw puzzles and build things out of construction toys or "junk" materials.
*Talk about what happens during the day and about past and coming events.
Just reading through some of these, they seem like a pretty easy ways to help out in your child's education! I guess it's just a matter of becoming more aware of how everyday things can become real learning experiences. From what I have encountered, children's learning is far more enriched when these things are done for real. If they are counting real money, sorting real objects and reading real texts (like signs, the newspaper, things on TV), it can really help them. Moreover, if their parents are taking a real interest in how they are developing, it's going to give them a huge sense of pride and self-worth.

So, my question to you guys that have BTDT or are going through it now, what are some of the ways that you use "everyday education" with your children?