Make learning fun; Fun makes learning ...FUN!

I was testing my son who is 7 years old the new Arabic words he learns from the Madrasah - a religious school he goes every Saturday. One of the words was 'Suk baa nun' which means snake. The letter 'k' in the first sylable is pronouce with a nasal sound. And I was emphasizing this sound. Somehow my son found it funny and he started to giggle. After I went through the sound with him for several time, I too realized how funny it was and started laughing. My son can't help it and laughed whenever he says that particular sylable out loud.

Now his younger brother who is 5 years old was also there mimicking his articulation of the sylable 'suk'. He too found it funny and together we just laughed. From that day onwards, both my sons never forget the word "Suk baa nnun' and that it means snake.

The incident above explains how learning can be fun and yet very effective. Incorporating 'play' in anything we want children to learn will definitely make learning less a chore and furthermore, it may encourage and motivate the child to want to learn more.