Giving your child the BEST chance to succeed – Key’s to Unlock Success!
As parents and teachers, we want to give our children the very best education possible. We want them to succeed. We spend hours (sometimes years) searching for the perfect curriculum and often spend a lot of money on what we believe will give them the greatest opportunity to learn and succeed.
…but is it all about the curriculum?
Going Beyond the Curriculum
This may seem a little crazy from someone who creates and sells curriculum to tell you that it really isn’t the curriculum that matters. There is much more at play than just choosing the right curriculum and whether the information in the curriculum will actually ‘stick’ …Will your child retain the information?
I want to introduce you to a term you may (or may not) have heard of…Brain-Based Learning.
Brain-Based Learning
I could probably write many lengthy posts on brain-based learning, but I don’t believe you need to get too deep into the science of it all to be able to help your child get the very most out of their learning, to begin retaining the information they are learning and to have the very best chance to succeed.
Here are some key points:
Health
I’m sure you are already very aware of this first part, but I since I’m writing this article, I need to include it…Regardless of a student’s age, they need to be well rested, eat good, nutritional meals and given ample opportunities to ‘use’ their bodies throughout the day. Students need a lot of physical activity, movement, stretch breaks, etc. to be (and stay) engaged with their curriculum.
Attitude
A student’s attitude and emotional state during learning is vital to learning and retaining what is learned. Positive affirmations and limited criticism will help a child’s self-esteem which will affect their ability to learn. Give critiques not criticisms. Give positive, constructive critiques by stating what is done well, recognizing improvements, being specific in the area being address (not broad), express appreciation and end on a positive note. Be your child’s cheerleader and encourage positive, growth mindset!
Senses
During the learning process, the more senses one uses, the more “brain connections” that can and will be made! The brain processes information through multiple senses so incorporating visual, auditory and kinesthetic elements are key. It can be very easy to sit our children in front of a computer or hand them a workbook but always ask yourself, “Are there a good variety of visual, auditory and kinesthetic activities involved?” If not, look for ways to add them!
Also, what about the learning environment and your child’s senses? Can your child’s environment make a difference in successful learning? For many children, the answer is yes! For some, light, sound and temperature of the learning space can be a factor. So, don’t forget to consider all aspects of your child’s learning environment.
Relevant
Making what a student is learning relevant to their lives and interests will increase motivation, engagement and long-term retention. Connecting new information to existing knowledge and experiences help the brain make meaningful and lasting connections. Whenever (and however) you can, get your child to apply what they are learning to relevant, real-life situations. In other words, how can they think about or apply what they are learning to their ‘real life’?
Connections
When I write the word ‘connections’ here, I’m referring to making brain-connections through connecting with others around them. When a child connects with others, while learning, or after learning (sharing what have learned), they are helping their mind connect and create new pathways within the brain. This can be through cooperative learning activities, reading to others (siblings, parent, grandparents), teaching or presenting what they’ve learned, etc. If you are teaching a single child and they do not have the opportunity to work in a small group or peer teach, get creative! Have them create a ‘teaching’ video or perhaps puzzles that others could use.
Layered-Learning
This is vital! Not familiar with layered learning? Even if you do everything above, for your child to get the very most from their education, layered-learning is a must! Read more on My Teaching Library here: Layered Learning
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My Teaching Library!
My Teaching Library is a family-owned business started by a mom (and now grandma) with over 30 years of experience in the field of education. Having worked as a public-school teacher prior to becoming a full-time homeshcooling mom, Lynda has experience from both perspectives and is dedicated to creating and sharing with YOU the very best resources to help you teach your children. In an effort to help you SAVE TIME and MONEY as a teacher and homeschooling parent.
To save you time, she has created and gathered thousands of resources now available to you for instant download all on one site, MyTeachingLibrary.com. It is also important to her that children are taught as the unique learners that they are. Learn the My Teaching Library difference.
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