I have always talked to my sons. I tell them what I am reading, what I am building, things I have read, and whatever comes to mind. Years ago I read that a study had finally found a mojor factor on the nurture side: when mothers talk to their children, the children are smarter. I guess fathers can join in on that formula.
If we are driving by an historic site, I tell them about it, or if it a less historic local landmark, I tell them about that. I point out why our city developed here, or why a bridge was built in that area.
Sometimes I will ask them philosophical questions. For young children it can be simple things like "Is the glass half empty or half full?" My favorite answer to that came from Bill Cosby's grandmother. She said, "That depends on whether you're drinking or pouring, doesn't it?" So that helps them see that sometimes the same situation can seem very different to different people. (My answer is, "Yes.")
None of this seem related to helping kids retain what they learned, but I believe it does something more important, sometimes not taught in schools with their emphasis on certification testing: thinking. The schools spend the first few weeks reviewing anyway, partly to gauge student level.
Of course, none of this will happen if they are plugged in to handheld video games and music the whole time. If you try, you might find they are interested enough to listen to you instead. You might have to bug them to turn of their electronic drug briefly, but your enthusiasm will help them accept the interuption. I don't mean fake enthusiasm. Unless your a pro actor, don't try to fake it. Talk about what interests you.
