"Share your enjoyment of learning by describing something you learned at work or in the newspaper," says Seal. And, she suggests making sure your home has plenty of different reading materials, such as newspapers, books, and magazines. "Visit the library every week. Get your child a subscription to a magazine covering his interests in animals, sports, or Scouts."

Another important concept for this age group: understanding money. Seal suggests encouraging your child to estimate, and not guess wildly, the cost of a cart of groceries, or talking to her about numbers she sees in the newspaper or on a TV program.

"Ask your fifth grader to calculate whether it's more economical to buy a big container of juice or a six-pack of juice boxes. Play number games, paying attention to your child's thinking," says Seal.

Middle Graders
With school learning in full swing, now's the time to expand on your child's education. Seal encourages taking your child to the beach to explore tide pools, to an aquarium, or to a natural history museum if he is studying marine life at school. Or, if he's studying World War II, suggest that he ask grandparents or neighbors questions about their wartime experiences.

Everyday experiences can also become learning experiences. If you're headed to a Thai restaurant for dinner, look up Thailand on the map. "Visit a site of the Underground Railroad if there's one near your home. Go to a festival celebrating holidays related to your child's or a friend's cultural background," says Seal.

You can also use a preteen's love of shopping to help her learn about percentages. Allow her to be involved in the purchasing and to evaluate the price and how much she saved if the item was on sale. "Money is a great teaching tool," says Corneille. "Let the kids be involved in everyday experiences that involve money."