To introduce learning opportunities into daily home life, think about these points:

• Ensure that your child is in the mood to learn. For example, don't chose the end of the week when you are both tired
• Introduce information that is of interest to them - don't assume they're interested in what you are. Link learning to an existing hobby and use the subject matter to steer you. If you can link information to a child's existing memory bank, that'll help them learn
• Make the information relevant to the child. For example, they may hate maths and see it as pointless, but what about helping them to manage a budget when they go and buy a CD or computer game?
• Make learning sessions fun and not overly long so it doesn't feel like a chore
• Repeat things - three short blasts at learning work better than one long one
• Use the approach that suits your child, not you
• Allow your child to sleep on learning, so information is better embedded in the brain, and review it again in the morning
• Using all a child's senses will help them learn, and make it more fun.

For information about how to help your child learn at home, log on to www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents

Encouraging your children to learn is a wonderful thing. But do remember they also need 'downtime' - it's just as important for educational development as structured learning - so give your children some space, and don't be a hyperactive parent!