Schools do not offer children many incentives to learn, there is not much of a reward for excellence in school. The subject matter offered by school is not much fun either, children would rather watch TV if given a choice. But most of all, subject matter presented at school is separated from objects and situations they refer to. Teachers may talk about science, nature and social skills, but school is an artificial, sterile environment, isolated from daily life. It is much easier for children to develop an understanding of size, length, shape, etc, when they are practically and physically involved.
Children love to do all kinds of things in the company of their parents.
There are many examples of situations in daily life from which children can learn if they are given the opportunity. Let them measure volumes and weights and set the oven temperature. And finally, let them cut the pie in equal parts. When programming a VCR they will learn about calendars and clocks. There are numerous other examples.