A great way to add energy to anything your child is learning is to incorporate it into a ball game. Start by throwing a small ball (like a juggling ball or beanbag) back and forth between you. When that's easy, you can add things. Possible things to add:
1. Learn times tables this way. You say 'Once three is...' as you throw the ball and your child responds 'Three', throwing it back. You say 'Two threes are...' and they say 'Six' as they throw. The rhythm and physical activity really helps with the learning.
2. Word games. You can say 'Words for happy', and then each time one of you throws you say a synonym: 'Contented' 'Pleased' 'Delighted' 'Excited'. Or you can play opposites - you say a word on your throw, and they have to say the opposite (you'll both notice that many words have more than one opposite, and some words seem to have none...) on theirs.
3. Rhythm games. This is a great way to warm up for a learning session. You throw and then add an action (like a clap). Your child has to copy you on their throw. Keep going. But, if they want to add something else (say, clap clap), you have to follow them. Any player can add an action at any time, and the others (two or more, in a circle if necessary) have to watch and copy them. So it could become: clap, clap, pat your head, touch your shoulder, stamp your foot. When someone gets the order wrong or gets confused, or you drop the ball, you start a new sequence, building it up one action at a time.
You can also use two ball, and juggle between you...
