At times there may be weakness in the structure, and here you will find the tools to solidify learning.
Enjoy the bi-weekly articles below.
These sections are organized by age level, but the information is not confined to just this age. Consider looking at other age ranges as well. Also, make sure to check out the Archives.
Enjoy the bi-weekly articles below.
These sections are organized by age level, but the information is not confined to just this age. Consider looking at other age ranges as well. Also, make sure to check out the Archives.
Teach Your Children Conversation
Having a conversation with your children is impossible if you do not have their attention. You cannot talk to your children if they do not listen. YOU can teach your children to listen.
You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. M. Scott Peck
Your children learn best when they listen. Teachers are expected to teach your children "listening" in the Common Core standards being adopted by schools across the country. Such skills as listening to others with care and speaking one at a time are being taught from the early years of school. Help your children's teachers by practicing how to listen and converse at home.
Consider using these strategies:
Remove distractions. Your children cannot have earphones in their ears when you are giving them important information, such as "I must go to a meeting today. You must take the bus and come straight home." Have them repeat what you have said, then add necessary directions- "This is where you will find the key to open the door. You are not to have friends with you until I come home."
Teach your children to focus. See that they are looking at you, watching your face, your mouth, your eyes. Make sure they understand what you have said the first time. Do not repeat yourself. Children will not pay attention the first time when they know you will say the same thing several more times. This was a grave mistake I made--I repeated so often, my children no longer listened.
Have another child tell them what you have said. Sometimes, it helps for your child to hear your words repeated by another person, especially a favorite sibling or older child.
Help them appreciate the knowledge they will gain if they listen to knowledgeable others. If they are going to learn, it is better to do so by listening to you and their teachers or to the video their teacher provides for them. If they still do not understand the information, even if they listen, encourage them to ask questions. They can also restate what they think they have heard you or their teacher say. You will be surprised by what they think they heard instead of what you or their teacher really said. Remember the old game "telephone" in which a phrase is whispered to others in a circle? It was hardly recognized when it reached the last person.
The website www.5minuteenglish.com/listening.htm provides examples for listening attentively and answering questions about what your children hear. Although the website is intended for non-English learners, using the dialogue forward arrow allows your children to listen. You might even like to use the dialogue script to interact with your children if they can read. Using this technology to teach the necessary skills of listening and conversation can be enjoyable time for all.
Help for Late Bloomers
Some of your children may still be struggling with their learning. Don't be discouraged and don't allow your children to be discouraged or give up either. Here are some websites that may be helpful to bolster your and your children's good feelings and to encourage your children with good advice and practice provided through games and fun.
Empowering Parents: service@empoweringparents.com
Anthony@mashupmath.com
Alexandra@biglifejournal.com
Sumitha@afineparent.com
There are others that you may have discovered. Please share--bettemroz@gmail.com. It is vitally important to your children's future interest and success in learning that you are interested enough in your children to help them now.
" Be the parent today that you want your children to remember tomorrow."
Having a conversation with your children is impossible if you do not have their attention. You cannot talk to your children if they do not listen. YOU can teach your children to listen.
You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. M. Scott Peck
Your children learn best when they listen. Teachers are expected to teach your children "listening" in the Common Core standards being adopted by schools across the country. Such skills as listening to others with care and speaking one at a time are being taught from the early years of school. Help your children's teachers by practicing how to listen and converse at home.
Consider using these strategies:
Remove distractions. Your children cannot have earphones in their ears when you are giving them important information, such as "I must go to a meeting today. You must take the bus and come straight home." Have them repeat what you have said, then add necessary directions- "This is where you will find the key to open the door. You are not to have friends with you until I come home."
Teach your children to focus. See that they are looking at you, watching your face, your mouth, your eyes. Make sure they understand what you have said the first time. Do not repeat yourself. Children will not pay attention the first time when they know you will say the same thing several more times. This was a grave mistake I made--I repeated so often, my children no longer listened.
Have another child tell them what you have said. Sometimes, it helps for your child to hear your words repeated by another person, especially a favorite sibling or older child.
Help them appreciate the knowledge they will gain if they listen to knowledgeable others. If they are going to learn, it is better to do so by listening to you and their teachers or to the video their teacher provides for them. If they still do not understand the information, even if they listen, encourage them to ask questions. They can also restate what they think they have heard you or their teacher say. You will be surprised by what they think they heard instead of what you or their teacher really said. Remember the old game "telephone" in which a phrase is whispered to others in a circle? It was hardly recognized when it reached the last person.
The website www.5minuteenglish.com/listening.htm provides examples for listening attentively and answering questions about what your children hear. Although the website is intended for non-English learners, using the dialogue forward arrow allows your children to listen. You might even like to use the dialogue script to interact with your children if they can read. Using this technology to teach the necessary skills of listening and conversation can be enjoyable time for all.
Help for Late Bloomers
Some of your children may still be struggling with their learning. Don't be discouraged and don't allow your children to be discouraged or give up either. Here are some websites that may be helpful to bolster your and your children's good feelings and to encourage your children with good advice and practice provided through games and fun.
Empowering Parents: service@empoweringparents.com
Anthony@mashupmath.com
Alexandra@biglifejournal.com
Sumitha@afineparent.com
There are others that you may have discovered. Please share--bettemroz@gmail.com. It is vitally important to your children's future interest and success in learning that you are interested enough in your children to help them now.
" Be the parent today that you want your children to remember tomorrow."