How much learning do you do with your kids at home?

[Minki]

I am starting to think that I am not doing nearly enough with my boys, aged 6 (year 2) and 4 (reception). I read to them every day (they read to me most days), and we do some spelling/writing/drawing at the weekend. We also visit museums etc at least a few times a month. Neither child has proper homework at the moment but projects given each half term which we always do. We don't do much else, partly because I work full time and when I get home at 7pm just want to play with them or let them watch TV/have cuddles on the sofa. From reading some of the threads here, it seems that loads of parents do way more than that and take much more of a regimented approach to learning. I did try to teach both mine to read before they started school but they weren't interested/ready. Should I be doing more? Both are doing well at school and their teachers have no concerns.

watching with interest as it sounds very much like us xx

Reading is the most important activity. I prefer to complement what my child do at school. Dd does swimming, gymnastics and violin. Children needs time to play, relax as well as learn. Play is children's work.

I wouldn't worry too much. It's not just about doing formal stuff with them. They learn in lots of different ways. Even when you're playing with them. For example at a similar age my daughter used to like playing with her kitchen and play food. She'd pretend to be at a cafe and then take our orders and write them down - when she was little this was just scribbles ( but practising holding a pencil). Then come back with the food. This wasn't formal learning but she was learning non the less.

Lots of children's toys have the learning built into them, you don't need to make a special effort.

Similarly, once the weather improves, most play will be outside where she'll be kicking balls, climbing trees, etc. having fun but developing physical skills.

With little ones I'd enjoy the time you have together, keep up with the reading. They are learning the whole time anyway.

Sounds like you have it just right.
Children learn all the time, through example, through play, through listening and being listened to.

School work is only a very small part of that.

I'd avoid the school "hard" skills - reading, writing, maths - and focus on the skills which are taught much less well in schools. Most of which are learnt via games and play - Social skills, game skills, fitness etc.