I feel that schooling can be very beneficial to a child's learning. Children need to be with other children their own age and do things together. Children can learn a lot from each other most of the times than they can from adults. Personal growth in an important role in young children because they start to develop a sense of self-awareness.
Children can learn from each other. That can take place inside or outside of school. My examples are: summer camps, camping, girl/boy scouts and their peers at school (recess). Children can learn as visual learners (having to see most things done for them as an aid) or auditory learners (they can learn by hearing it said to them.
I learn best when I can touch or feel an object. If it is something that I have to do or make on my own, I would like that person to model it for me first. As an adult, I still learn this method best. I want to be follow that example correctly with some guidance.
I taught a child (age 6) during a tutoring session on how to add two digit numbers over a period of 2 weeks. This student needed a lot of work because he worked very well with one on or a small group of people. It would take time for him to catch on to most things but the light bulb came on for him in time. I M&M's to teach him addition (such as 1 red m&m plus 3 yellow m&m's equals how many m&m's all together?) He was a visual learner and the bright colors were a big help. It was something tasty that he could touch and be rewarded at that end when he got his answers corrected. Eventually, I got to moved into subtraction using the M&M's. If one idea of mine does not work, I will play around and try something that will.
Audretta D. von Nahme
1/21/09
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The M&M's were obviously a hit! I find that when children can hold or manipulate an object they learn so much faster. My class last year had a dreadful time with word problems. English was approximately their third language, so I don't blame them for having problems. When I would give them scrap paper to use to "draw" the word problems, they did much better than when they had to read it or when I read it to them.
ReplyDeleteChildren do need to be with other children their own age. They can relate to their peers and learn by watching them. Schooling is essential for personal growth, I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI admire your willingness to try different strategies of teaching until you find something that works. Most teachers believe there is only one right way to teach a subject, however that is not always the case. Using different teaching styles could benefit the class as a whole.
The M&M's were a good idea. I still remember those fun activities that we got to do with M&M's or other candy/rewarding items. Everyone always got an A.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important to find ideas that work. All teachers need to take the time to do it, and the classrooms would be better places.
Thank you for your kinds words about me trying new things in my classroom. I do have to be creative when it comes to teaching the little ones. I love what I do and my students can sense that. I try to make learning fun and interesting. I have had all types of students that enter my classroom from students being above average, average, to below average. i just have to find something that clicks for that particular student.
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