To be able to help, you need to find out what your children are studying. Speak to your child's teacher and ask for an outline of this year's curriculum. Then ask if he/she has suggestions about how you can work with your child at home.

Parents can expand a child's learning experience with fun activities that don't seem like work. Think of things related to the curriculum that you can do.

If the class is studying American History, find local historic spots to visit. If they are learning about plants, take your children on a nature walk. To see what they've learned, ask them to teach you about plants.

Reading with your child is always helpful. Select stories or subjects that back-up their classroom studies.

Since parents often need to help children with school projects, keep materials around the house that children can use to construct projects. Cardboard, boxes, fabric scraps, construction paper and paint come in handy when the assignment is to build a diorama about a story or event.

Whether playing after school or working on a school project, construction toys provide a wide range of fun learning activities that enhance math, science and other study areas. Kids enjoy building structures and things that move. While building they learn about strength, structure, geometry and motion.

Students studying dinosaurs can use K'NEXosaurus to expand their learning. Children studying insects can use the K'NEX Dragonfly or Beetle to learn about insect structure. While building they use problem solving and sorting skills, and learn to follow directions.

Parents' support and interest in their children's learning helps them feel good about themselves and their accomplishments. Your enthusiasm and creative after-school project ideas can help them avoid the "homework blahs."

For more ideas for your children, call 1-800-KID-KNEX and ask for K'NEXions Newsletter.(NAPSI)