Learning to Learn
Photo Copyright 2005 Anissa Thompson
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. ~Chinese Proverb
In order for children to excel at literacy, they need to learn HOW to learn, and to ENJOY learning in all of its forms. There are several things parents can do to encourage thinking and inquisitiveness in their child, and the good news is, they are likely already doing many of them.
From the moment a child is born, they are taking in the world around them. At this stage, it is important that parents provide them with plenty of stimuli, to encourage their child's curiosity and interest in the external world. Talking, reading, singing, cuddles and playing games are all important tools to stimulate a baby's ability to learn.
As the child grows up, their learning develops across 8 different areas.
6. Personal and social skills - helpfulness, relating to others, sharing and being co-operative.
7. Self-help skills - these include encouraging a child's independence, and teaching them the skills of daily living. For example, personal hygiene, dressing themselves, learning to set the table.
8. Writing skills - finger painting and learning to hold a pencil or pen, all assist in preparing a child for more advanced writing skills when they attend school.
In order for children to excel at literacy, they need to learn HOW to learn, and to ENJOY learning in all of its forms. There are several things parents can do to encourage thinking and inquisitiveness in their child, and the good news is, they are likely already doing many of them.
From the moment a child is born, they are taking in the world around them. At this stage, it is important that parents provide them with plenty of stimuli, to encourage their child's curiosity and interest in the external world. Talking, reading, singing, cuddles and playing games are all important tools to stimulate a baby's ability to learn.
As the child grows up, their learning develops across 8 different areas.
- Creative expression - Provide your child with opportunities to express themselves creatively, be it through art, music, drama, etc.
- Fine motor skills - reaching for items, grasping. Development of these skills lay the foundation for children learning to write.
- Gross motor skills - these include physical skills, such as running, jumping, climbing, and using play equipment. Development of these are necessary to develop muscle strength and co-ordination.
- Language development - this is the process of children learning to communicate, to distinguish the sounds associated with verbal communication and to recognise written letters and words. It also involves the child learning how to express their feelings. There are several things parents can do to encourage language development, even before their child goes to school:
- Provide children with a quiet environment while they play. Even from infancy, this helps children to distinguish sounds, such as 'p' versus 'b' or 'd', and to develop the neural pathways necessary for language development.
- Encourage questions, and descriptive and expressive answers. "It made me laugh when I watched the kittens playing with each other."
- Encourage children to think about related things, and to predict other possible outcomes. Think in terms of 'WHY?' and 'HOW COME?' questions, along with 'What else does that remind you of?'
- READ to them - numerous studies back the benefits of reading stories to your child. Those who have grown up hearing their parents read to them generally cope better with school.
6. Personal and social skills - helpfulness, relating to others, sharing and being co-operative.
7. Self-help skills - these include encouraging a child's independence, and teaching them the skills of daily living. For example, personal hygiene, dressing themselves, learning to set the table.
8. Writing skills - finger painting and learning to hold a pencil or pen, all assist in preparing a child for more advanced writing skills when they attend school.
Image: Adrian Yee
How else can a parent encourage a child to learn?
- Provide a safe, secure and loving environment
- Give your child lots of encouragement and positive feedback. Make sure any feedback is specific and focuses on the behaviour.
- Show your child how to do things - then get them to do it themselves. Praise their efforts!
- Give them lots of opportunities to read, talk, listen and play games appropriate to their age level.
- Encourage learning through teaching - older siblings can read to younger brothers or sisters, or explain and show them how to do things.
- Provide a designated area that your child associates with learning. The following video offers some suggestions.
How to Creating a Good Study Environment -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com
References, resources and useful links
- Purposeful Play with Your Preschooler: A Learning-Based Activity Book. Teresa M. Hauck & Anthony C. Maffei. Plenum Press. New York. 1992, pp.53-54. Available Questia.com.
- A Curriculum for the Pre-School Child: Learning to Learn. Audrey Curtis. Routledge. London. 2002, pp. 139-144. Available Questia.com.
- KidsDevelopment.co.uk
- 'Turn Down the Noise to Encourage Baby's Language Development', Sherry Artemenko, reprinted here at www.Parents-Choice.org
- http://www.parentwonder.com/pdf/How_To_Talk_So_Kids_Will_Listen.pdf
