Building Up Interest In Learning In Your Elementary Age Kids

I’m happy to invite you all today to view a guest post from Dominique Goh. I’m sure you’ll all enjoy this one!

Reading is something which I have been advocating to my children since I was young. Once your child is able to read simple words it opens them up to a whole new world of books. Once they are able to read, it will be easier for them to learn new concepts and build up their knowledge.
At six years old they can be introduced to a wide variety of books, and I’m not just talking about the different genres that are available in print. With the advancement of technology there has been development of audio books and even interactive books which one can view online on the computer or even on the iPad. There are hundred over apps which one can download and lots of soft copy books which come with lovely illustration which allows you to read on the go.

I don’t just read  from the book with them but we do a variety of activities to have an all rounded learning experience.

Here are  three  recommendations on how I engage my children in learning.

1. Bring them to the park/area of interest  and engage them in conversation regarding the topic of  choice. For example if the topic of the month is having fun in the park, we will bring the kids to the park for a fun time cycling or playing at the playground. Before going to the  park I question them on what they expect to see at the park and what they are looking forward to do.
2. Follow up with reading of a physical or interactive book. Once the kids have a general idea of the theme we are focusing on it is time to move on to the book proper. My younger boy has quite a limited attention span so  storybooks with interactive features capture his attention more easily then a regular book.  We do a combination of regular books and interactive books so that both boys are able to read and understand the book together.
3. Reinforce concepts learn through hands on activities. I like to follow up after reading with some arts & crafts or getting the kids to do a book review. This would give a deeper impression to the child on what he has read and he is able to relate to the new knowledge gained in other forms of expression.

 

Dominique Goh, Singaporean elementary school teacher, professional blogger, blogging coach and mom to three. In her spare time you can catch her at  Dominique’s Desk where she writes about her experiences in education, parenting, cooking , baking and photography.

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