Why do I use the word “learning” and not teaching in the title? Question: when you teach, do students always learn? No. By using the word “learning” I assume that some learning is occurring and not just a whole lot of teaching.
So, a good “learning” approach for kids is to go with the flow, without losing the objective of what you want your children to learn. For example, I want to teach comparisons. My lesson went in this order.
- Check textbook material – no interest for the student
- Didn’t have time to make a special worksheet
- Beautiful sunny day outside, walk to a nearby art gallery with clipboard in hand
- Go to an art gallery – student hated art (describe and compare art)
- Went to the history section – student hated history (describe and compare past to present)
- Went to nearby police & fire station – student was bored (compare police vehicles)
- Went back to the library while talking about sports (compare sports!)
- Talked about FIFA World Cup (compared teams) – successful
- Assign writing: compare FIFA 2018 world cup teams.
Going with the flow and trying new things allows for you to see what works and what doesn’t. It empowers the student, allows them to talk and really enjoy learning and discovering what they enjoy.
End result: comparatives were practiced (learning was achieved), the student is empowered, and the student loves to learn.
I could have said “sit down and read his”, but the outcomes would have been much different.
You have to have patience, but it does pay off.
HKKS Education 