Parents are children's first teachers, and it's impossible to overestimate the important ongoing role that family plays in a child's learning and development. Just as children engage in active learning throughout the preschool daily routine, family members can incorporate active learning into different parts of the day at home.
ADULT-CHILD INTERACTION
Research indicates that the way adults interact with children plays a very important role in children's learning and development. These studies demonstrate that in classrooms where teachers are responsive, guiding, and nurturing — and where they share control — children take more initiative and are more likely to be actively involved and persistent in their work. Below are interaction strategies that promote active learning and shared control at home.
- Share control with your child and participate in their play. Look for natural openings in their play and let the child take the lead.
- Focus on your child's strengths and use encouragement instead of praise. Offer your child choices based on what he or she likes to do and does well. Rather than using statements that evaluate or judge, make objective, specific comments that encourage children to expand their language and think about what they are doing.
- Encourage your child to solve problems he or she encounters. While adults could often solve the problem more easily by taking over, the goal is for children to develop their own problem-solving abilities through trial and error.
- Converse with your child as partners. Join in the conversation on your child's physical level. Stick to the topic your child brings up and allow them time to respond.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Helping children manage frustrations and resolve social conflicts is an area of social learning that is often particularly important to teachers and parents alike. HighScope's six-step conflict resolution process, summarized below, helps children peacefully settle disputes and conflicts. With continuity between home and the classroom, children can often carry out this sequence on their own by program's end.
- Approach calmly, stopping any hurtful actions. Place yourself between the children, on their level.
- Acknowledge children's feelings. Say something simple such as "You look really upset." Let children know you need to hold any object in question.
- Gather information. Ask "What's the problem?" Do not ask "Why?" questions.
- Restate the problem. "So the problem is…"
- Ask for ideas for solutions and choose one together. "What can we do to solve this problem?"
- Be prepared to give follow-up support. Acknowledge their accomplishments (e.g., "You solved the problem!"). Stay nearby in case anyone is not happy with the solution and the process needs repeating.
STRATEGIES FOR PLAY
Early childhood educators often make the point that "children learn through play." But what does this statement really mean? Play helps young children develop cognitive skills — organization, focus, and the ability to plan, strategize, and prioritize — which are all part of what we call executive function. Unfortunately, due to the demands for accountability in public schools and pressure to accelerate young children's academic learning, time for play is either being eliminated or limited, and play is much less often child-initiated or free from constraints.
Ingredients of Active Learning for Infants and Toddlers
- Materials — Provide materials that your child can use in a variety of ways. Learning grows out of the child's direct actions on the materials.
- Manipulation — The child should have opportunities to explore (with all the senses), manipulate, combine, and transform the chosen materials.
- Choice — The child chooses what to do. Since learning results from the child's attempts to pursue personal interests and goals, the opportunity to choose activities and materials is essential.
- Child communication, language, and thought — The child communicates his or her needs, feelings, discoveries, and ideas through motions, gestures, facial expressions, and sounds. Adults should encourage the child's communications and language in a give-and-take manner.
- Adult Scaffolding — Adults establish and maintain trusting relationships with each child in their care. They should recognize and encourage each child's intentions, actions, communications, explorations, creativity, and willingness to solve problems.
Strategies for Participating in Preschool Play
- Look for natural play openings.
- Join play on the child's level by squatting, kneeling, or lying on the floor.
- Participate in parallel play by playing near the child, using the same materials in the same manner.
- Play as a partner with children by functioning as an equal or follower.
- Refer players to one another. This allows children to recognize one another's strengths, regard each other as a valuable resource, and play cooperatively.
- Suggest new ideas within ongoing play situations. Offer suggestions within the play theme, address the "role person" rather than the child, and respect the children's reaction to your idea.
HighScope.org
Parenting 24/7
PBS Parents
Parenting Priorities
Family Education
Parent-to-Parent
Parents Smart
Cool Math 4 Parents
National Center for Learning Disabilities
NEA: Parent Partnership
Reading
ABC's of Parenting
A sk your child about the school day.
B egin your child's day with a nourishing breakfast.
C ongratulate your child for doing well.
D iscuss homework with your child.
E ncourage your child to read.
F ind a quiet place for your child to study.
G ive your child responsibilities.
H ug your child to build self-worth.
I nclude your child in making simple family decisions.
J oin a library with your child.
K eep your child on a schedule that includes exercise and sleep.
L imit TV viewing by selecting programs with your child.
M ake the time you spend with your child special.
N otice and discuss changes in your child's behavior.
O ffer to help your child organize school papers.
P rovide your child with good role models.
Q uestion the activities your child shares with friends.
R espect your child's right to have opinions different from yours.
S hare an interest or a hobby with your child.
T ake time to listen to your child.
U rge your child to say "NO!" to unwanted touching.
V isit places of interest with your child.
W ork with your child to set up rules of behavior.
X erox and save records or articles that benefit your child.
Y ield results by encouraging your child to do better.
Z oom through these ABCs again and again.
Author Unknown
HELP ORGANIZE YOUR CHILD
Developing good organizational skills is the key ingredient for success in school and in life. Although some people by nature are more organized
than others, anyone can put routines and systems in place to help a child become more organized. Here is a list of strategies you can use to help your child develop good organizational skills and become a more organized learner.
1. Use Checklists: Help your child get into the habit of keeping a
"to-do" list. Use checklists to post assignments, household chores,
and reminders about materials to bring to class. Crossing completed
tasks off the list will give him/her a sense of accomplishment.
2. Designate a study space: Your child should study in the same place every night. This doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. All school supplies should be nearby. If your child wants to study with you nearby, it's alright, this way you can have
the opportunity to monitor progress and encourage good study habits.
3. Set a designated study time: Your child should know that a certain
time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after school. Most children benefit from time to unwind first. Include your child in making this decision. Even if he /she doesn't have homework, that time should be reserved for reading for pleasure, practicing handwriting, working on an upcoming project, etc.
4. Conduct a weekly clean-up: Encourage your child to sort through
book bags, folder, agendas and notebooks on a weekly basis. Old
papers should be removed and kept in a separate place at home.
5. Create a household schedule: Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and regular bedtime. This will help your child fall into a pattern at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well rested. Try to limit television watching and
computer play to specific periods of time during the day.
6. Prepare for the day ahead: Before your child goes to bed, he/she should pack schoolwork and books in their
backpack. The next day's clothes should be laid out with shoes and accessories. This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare quickly for the day ahead.
7. Create a household calendar: Keep a large calendar for the
household that lists the family's commitments, schedules,
extracurricular activities, days off from school and major events at home and at school. Note dates when your child has tests and due dates for projects.
8. Provide necessary support while your child is learning to become more organized: Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and schedules and taping them to the refrigerator. Gently
remind them about filling in the important dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most importantly, set a good example.
Adapted from "Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Children"
by the CCLD
Reading
Writing
Spelling
ABC's of Parenting
A sk your child about the school day.
B egin your child's day with a nourishing breakfast.
C ongratulate your child for doing well.
D iscuss homework with your child.
E ncourage your child to read.
F ind a quiet place for your child to study.
G ive your child responsibilities.
H ug your child to build self-worth.
I nclude your child in making simple family decisions.
J oin a library with your child.
K eep your child on a schedule that includes exercise and sleep.
L imit TV viewing by selecting programs with your child.
M ake the time you spend with your child special.
N otice and discuss changes in your child's behavior.
O ffer to help your child organize school papers.
P rovide your child with good role models.
Q uestion the activities your child shares with friends.
R espect your child's right to have opinions different from yours.
S hare an interest or a hobby with your child.
T ake time to listen to your child.
U rge your child to say "NO!" to unwanted touching.
V isit places of interest with your child.
W ork with your child to set up rules of behavior.
X erox and save records or articles that benefit your child.
Y ield results by encouraging your child to do better.
Z oom through these ABCs again and again.
Author Unknown
HELP ORGANIZE YOUR CHILD
Developing good organizational skills is the key ingredient for success in school and in life. Although some people by nature are more organized
than others, anyone can put routines and systems in place to help a child become more organized. Here is a list of strategies you can use to help your child develop good organizational skills and become a more organized learner.
1. Use Checklists: Help your child get into the habit of keeping a
"to-do" list. Use checklists to post assignments, household chores,
and reminders about materials to bring to class. Crossing completed
tasks off the list will give him/her a sense of accomplishment.
2. Designate a study space: Your child should study in the same place every night. This doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. All school supplies should be nearby. If your child wants to study with you nearby, it's alright, this way you can have
the opportunity to monitor progress and encourage good study habits.
3. Set a designated study time: Your child should know that a certain
time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after school. Most children benefit from time to unwind first. Include your child in making this decision. Even if he /she doesn't have homework, that time should be reserved for reading for pleasure, practicing handwriting, working on an upcoming project, etc.
4. Conduct a weekly clean-up: Encourage your child to sort through
book bags, folder, agendas and notebooks on a weekly basis. Old
papers should be removed and kept in a separate place at home.
5. Create a household schedule: Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and regular bedtime. This will help your child fall into a pattern at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well rested. Try to limit television watching and
computer play to specific periods of time during the day.
6. Prepare for the day ahead: Before your child goes to bed, he/she should pack schoolwork and books in their
backpack. The next day's clothes should be laid out with shoes and accessories. This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare quickly for the day ahead.
7. Create a household calendar: Keep a large calendar for the
household that lists the family's commitments, schedules,
extracurricular activities, days off from school and major events at home and at school. Note dates when your child has tests and due dates for projects.
8. Provide necessary support while your child is learning to become more organized: Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and schedules and taping them to the refrigerator. Gently
remind them about filling in the important dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most importantly, set a good example.
Adapted from "Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Children"
by the CCLD