Examples of Informal Learning in Everyday Life

child learning through everyday informal activities at home in home education UK

Quick Answer

Informal learning happens naturally through everyday activities such as conversations, problem-solving, and practical tasks. Many families use these experiences as part of their home education approach.

Introduction

One of the unique aspects of home education is how much learning happens outside of what might traditionally be referred to as “lessons”. This is not a quirky alternative concept. A better way to think about it, is that in a school environment it is simply not possible for children to learn through the experiences provided by everyday life.

As home educators, we have the opportunity to spend more time exploring things because we are not bound by a timetable in the same way. And children often feel more relaxed and keen to explore learning when it is fun and grounded in real life.

Everyday experiences can provide valuable opportunities for children to develop skills and understanding.

This guide provides examples of informal learning and how it fits into home education.

home educating child gaining skills through real life experiences and play UK

Everyday Learning Opportunities

Informal learning can happen through:

– conversations
– exploring the environment
– solving real problems
– practical tasks

These moments often occur naturally throughout the day. Getting absorbed inside a project is another great way to learn without a specific struture. . You can explore project based learning here.

Learning Through Daily Activities

Examples might include:

– cooking (measuring, following instructions)
– shopping (budgeting, decision-making)
– travel (geography, planning)

These activities can support a wide range of skills. These are just a few examples to get you started. It is a good idea to turn real life into learning rather than try to force it into traditional subjects in an artificial way.

Developing Skills Through Experience

Informal learning can support:

– communication
– problem-solving
– independence
– creativity

These skills are often developed through real-life situations. It can be hard to measure how much of an impact it will have on your child to be able to develop these skills until you one day look up you have a brilliant negotiator or artist or deep thinker on your hands!

Recognising Informal Learning

For many parents, it can take time to recognise how much learning is happening in everyday life. It is hard (impossible!) to accurately measure how much is being learnt but over time you will notice the difference in your child’s understanding.

Over time, lots of new home educating families become more confident in seeing these experiences as part of education. This is because they start to see how interested their child has become in the world around them.

You can explore ideas around measuring your child’s progress on this page – How to Track Progress in Home Education.

Conclusion

Informal learning plays an important role in home education, providing opportunities for children to learn through everyday experiences.

You can explore more guidance throughout this section as you develop an approach that works for your child and your family.