Is it better to work with kids every day or on weekends only?

[20twenty20]

The children in question are 5, 7 & 10.

Are you referring to working with your own children in terms of homework?

If you are, then a little everyday is much better than a chunk at the weekends.

Yes I am. Thank you. Do you think doing worksheets with the younger 2 is effective in helping them learn? Or is it better to do different activities (Uno, monopoly for money management, games, etc)?

Thanks!

Talking to them about stuff, providing them with general knowledge, problem solving skills, discussion skills, exercising with them, playing with them, role playing all sorts, making up stories etc.

All of it much more valuable than practicing "academic" skills unless there's a particular issue you need to work on.

It depends but reading, puzzles, construction / block games, cooking, going to museums, imaginative play etc and lots of physical activity and unstructured playtime are essential. Learning an instrument for the older too also benefits cognitive development. Help them with the homework set for them and if you think they aren’t challenging enough speak to their teacher about differentiation.

If you child is very gifted in a subject doing additional academic work might make sense if they are interested but that doesn’t sound like your position

I wouldn't do work sheets and repeat what they've learned at school (unless there's a specific issue) but I'd definitely encourage lots of reading (and model it by showing that you enjoy books too), play board games, visit museums, talk to them about what's going on in the world and encourage them to form opinions and articulate them. Give them the opportunity to develop interests of their choice and encourage the in those interests.

Also give them plenty of time which isn't scheduled which they need to fill themselves, even if they're sometimes bored. This is actually vital for development and will actually promote self regulation skills necessary for academic work.

I would say reading everyday is the most important thing for the younger two. My DS progressed so quickly through reading everyday. If I had an an add 'off week' where I was very busy with work it was noticeable when we got back into the everyday habit.