When schools began to emphasize learning beyond the classroom, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought my role as a parent was simply to help with homework, check assignments, and encourage good study habits. But over time, I discovered something much deeper — that learning at home wasn’t just for my children; it was also for me.
My children’s school introduced creative ways to make home learning engaging — from interactive reading sessions and online vocabulary games to video lessons with native accents. At first, I was amazed by how confident and curious my children became. But what surprised me even more was how I started learning alongside them.
One evening, as they were practicing new words, my youngest corrected my pronunciation — with a big grin on his face. “No, Mom, it’s pronounced Pluh muh not Plumber” he said proudly, mimicking his teacher’s accent. I laughed, but deep down, I was impressed. It made me realize how quickly children adapt and how naturally they absorb new knowledge. Soon, I found myself repeating new words and phrases they brought home, even adjusting my accent just to keep up!
It’s humbling – and inspiring – to see how learning has become a two-way journey in our home. The school didn’t just teach my children academics; it built their confidence to share, to teach, and to communicate. And in turn, they’ve become my little teachers, opening my mind to new expressions, sounds, and perspectives. This experience has reminded me that education doesn’t stop with age. Sometimes, the best lessons come from those small voices sitting across the dinner table – teaching us patience, curiosity, and the joy of lifelong learning.
Ms. Anam Ashfaque
