One of the biggest reasons children struggle with learning is that they are bored. This typically happens because the lessons are too complex for them to comprehend, and so their mind wanders elsewhere. In other cases, they feel overwhelmed and don’t want to sit still, and they become impatient with what the instructor is saying. The best cure for education woes? Make learning easy and fun. How do you do this though? Here are four tips that may help:
First, Break it Down
You would never get mad at a newborn for not being able to walk, would you? Of course not, they need to learn to crawl first. Similarly, children need all lessons broken down into bite-sized messages. They must understand the simplest lessons before they can move onto something harder.
Use All Five Senses Whenever You Can
When kids can touch and feel things with a hands-on activity, they not only enjoy it more, but they retain the lessons better. Being engaged in the lessons is more enjoyable than an instructor talking at them. For example, if you’re teaching fractions, you could break down a cookie recipe and then eat the results! You get to use touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing for this sweet lesson.
Incorporate Games
Bright visuals, and games, especially ones that involve music will feel more like play than learning. Video games and board games can go a long way in the classroom as well. You can download dozens of free educational apps that help improve tech skills, provide visuals in an entertaining way, and expose new methods of learning.
Go on Field Trips Whenever Possible
Rather than showing a picture of an elephant, go to the zoo and see the elephants. Don’t talk about birds, go outside with a pair of binoculars and look for birds. Why chat about art when you can go to a museum and see art? Give your child a camera and tell them to take pictures of things, and then discuss what is in the photos. If physical field trips aren’t possible, look for virtual ones online!
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