Children learn in a number of ways, from a variety of resources. Your child can be educated not just at school, but also through extracurricular activities in which they are engaged. These activities do not need to be formal instruction (sports, music or dance), although each of those will also be instructive. The mere act of taking your child to museums, zoos, and on family outings are learning experiences. In addition, religious instruction can occur at home, or within a church, temple or mosque. My mother always told me that "there is more than one way to educate your child." She was a scout leader, and faithfully drove us from activity to activity on a daily basis.

Naturally curious, kids will soak up lessons from varied exposures like sponges. You can become an ally with your child's teacher by building on, or supplementing lessons they are learning in school. For example, my son's fourth grade class has been learning about geology. We are fortunate to live in an area with many hiking trails and interesting geological formations. Going for a walk along ancient lava fields, we can examine the rocks together and talk about what it must have been like millions of years ago.

Take a trip to your state's capitol. If you plan ahead, you can go on a guided tour. Many offer coloring books or other child-friendly information, as well. This is an excellent first exposure to our democratic system and civics. You can talk about elections, the difference between a governor and the president, and the process of adopting new laws.

Next time you plan a family vacation, think about buying or borrowing some books about the region that your child can read in advance. If they are not literate yet, spend some time reviewing information and photographs with them before your trip. Afterwards, have your children help you put together photo albums or scrapbooks. It will be time well spent reminiscing about highlights of the vacation.

Formal extracurricular activities can enrich a child's learning experience, too. Ballet instruction involves use of french terms (jete, plie, tour jete). Regular exposure to music is said to help brain development and the learning of math skills. For this reason, music education may help your child understand mathematical concepts such as fractions. Art classes also help your child's right brain development. Learning perspective and dimensions, and to use colors expressively can open new thought processes.

Participation in other organizations such as Boy scouts, Girl scouts, Campfire, bible study groups, 4-H and the Boys and Girls Club will expose your child to interactions and viewpoints of other leaders. Skills that are not generally taught in public schools, such as building campfires and surviving in the wilderness, can be learned. Unless your child attends private school, religious education will take place outside regular school hours. You are responsible for exposing your child to religious beliefs.

In short, your child's education doesn't stop at the doors of their school. Experiences and activities outside of school hours enrich and deepen understandings of basic principles, and usually lead to a happier, well-rounded kid. Look for educational experiences where ever you can. You'll be surprised how much you can teach - and what your child can learn - when they're not sitting at a desk!