Are you having a tough time teaching your tiny tot, aged between say three and five, at home? Those first few formative years of your child might be really a daunting time for you to help him/her start climbing the ladder of knowledge. Though the child would go to school, there is nothing like re-learning from you - the parent, aunt or uncle! Here are ten practical tips I picked up from teaching my brother’s four-year-old that may help you make your child’s learning experience more enjoyable even at home!
Tip #1: Keep the study ambiance appropriate: Are toys and books strewn around your kid’s study area? Well, if that is the case, then there are a lot of chances for the child to get distracted during those most important hours of his learning; it is wise to tidy up the surroundings before he begins to work with numbers and letters!
Tip #2: Siblings should not be around: If the child has siblings, then they should be kept away from the child’s study area to help him get maximum benefit out of his study time. The child’s study time could be when the younger ones are taking a nap or when they are taken care of by someone else.
Tip #3: Reward the child: If the child does good work, then make sure that he feels special by rewarding him. A simple clap or a hug may do wonders on the child. The gift which you give him like a bar of chocolate or any other inexpensive toy to his liking will go a long way in helping him to look forward to the study time. But, ensure it is only a policy of carrot and not stick! Never punish a child!
Tip #4: Be patient: Patience is the most important virtue every parent should have while dealing with the child. Make sure that scolding is a taboo during study time as it will only create a terror on the innocent young mind about the means of gaining knowledge!
Tip #5: Watch out for the most suitable time: Each child is different in his own way. Some kids pick up things fast during the morning hours while the others are very receptive during the late afternoon or evening hours. It is the duty of the parent to look for the most suitable and convenient time for the child and help him during those precious hours, whatever be your other engagements then!
Tip #6: Do not overload: It is wise not to overload the child with too many concepts that are new to him. It would be good to leave him alone even if he has climbed only a single step on the ladder, making him look forward to the other steps!
Tip #7: Be consistent: It is good to stick to a study schedule and be consistent with it. By doing so, you may be able to drive home the point to the child about the importance of that part of the day. I am sure your dedication to those hours will have the same reciprocation from the child and he may feel something terribly missing if he misses that time with you.
Tip #8: Make sure the child enjoys: The child’s enjoyment while learning should receive topmost priority. Innovative ideas from your side would do the trick. You may have to dance or act while teaching him a rhyme or for that matter, while introducing him to a number or an alplabet.Ultimately, the child should be able to laugh and learn!
Tip #9: Listen: If you are a patient listener to whatever the child says, then there is nothing like it. If he gets diverted from the subject you are teaching him, then do not get disappointed. Gently try to bring him on track later.
Tip #10: Do not nag: Last but not least, do not nag the child by comparing him to others or by repeating that he should be of par excellence. No doubt, there will be ups and downs while catering to the child’s study needs but the trick is to treat all situations equally and try to be level headed.
Hope these tips will go a long way in helping both the child as well as the parent in making the learning experience, even at home, more enjoyable, fun and productive! Happy teaching!
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