Best Resources to Teach Children Outside of School

Sweg

Hi All,
I have two nieces, 3 and 5 years old.
The 3 year old has started going to pre-school 4 days a week, and the oldest is in her second year of school.
I'm looking into what are the best resources I can find for them, in order to maximise their potential academically.
Based on my own experience as a child, I felt that I learned the most important things outside of school, with my grandparents, etc.
Some people feel that once the homework is done, then the children can forget about learning and books.
But again, from my own experience, it carries on after that.
There are other parents who are teaching their children during the weekends, and reading books, etc. with their children. And I don't want my nieces to fall behind those.

Just wondering, do you guys have any particular resources I could give the kids as presents? For example, books that help them in certain areas (maths, spelling, etc.), or are there certain types of books/exercises that they should be doing?
Myself, I remember when I spent time with my grandparents watching shows like Countdown and doing Sudoku/Crosswords, etc. but I'm not sure if that's possible these days with the technology that the kids have.

Moonbeam

Bring them to playgrounds,bring them to the park,play play doh with them,bake with them,read stories to them that make them think.
At that age the most important maths and science will be learned by active participation.

Have you asked what their parents would like you to get or do, or the kids themselves what they would like to do?

Whispered

You shouldn't be thinking academically for the three year old anyway. Way too young. Have you discussed your worries about the kids falling behind with their parents? Some people may find it very insulting.

I think you can't go wrong with books as a gift. My son loves them, so long as someone is reading with him.

He was gifted an alphabet puzzle for his second birthday and from that he learned how to read them all, tell me what sound they make, what words begin with them etc. But again all through fun and interaction.

To be honest I am not sure there is any gift you can give them that would do much unless the adult there was present and enthusiastic. And if there is a present and enthusiastic adult there then everything is a learning tool. quick example, my husband gave the 2 (nearly 3) year old a remote control car this evening and within 5 mins he knew his left from his right. Honestly, they're constantly learning.

byhookorbycrook

Ah seriously, let them be children, they will be in formal learning long enough. Read to them, teach them nursery rhymes,let them have fun making things from paint/glue, gather leaves, walk in the park and listen/look around and so on. I say this as a primary teacher. Trying to force a child to read or write before they are fully ready is the worst thing you can do.

Google pre-school/playschool activities and do those instead.