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Ask an Expert - 'Replies' Teaching Tips August 2010 |
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Q: How does a parent that is slightly disorganized teach three children (ages 7, 6, and 4)? I also have a 16-month-old toddler. All I know is the public school way of doing things. How do I get away from all that? Short Answer 
First, forget about grade categories and grade-based skills. Think in terms of broad categories such as primary, elementary, intermediate,
and high school. The focus of the elementary years is to provide the basic underlying skills needed for all of learning – namely, reading
and arithmetic. For everything else, think in terms of introducing the children to concepts rather than mastering skills.
Explanation Given that the children are so close in age, you can cover a lot of the same material together. Science and history are topical subjects, which means there is no set order that you have to follow. They aren't sequential subjects such as reading and math that build skill upon skill. Look for a structured, yet relaxed program. The structured lessons will reduce the amount of planning and preparation required on your part. The relaxed approach will enable you to take advantage of the special activities you want to do. The notebooking approach may be helpful. This is where each child keeps a notebook of what is studied, but at their own level. The activities included in the notebook will vary, depending on the child's age, ability, and learning style. Depending on where the older two are in math, you may be able to combine that as well. There is no such thing as grade-by-grade skills; most are lumped at least across three years, with more detail added each year. The same is true with reading and introducing language arts. Try doing math and reading – the subjects you don't want interrupted – while the youngest is napping. You may also want to have the 4-year-old have quiet time then, too, such as laying on the bed listening to music. This will give the child training in quieting himself/herself. Find some activity books for your 4-year-old that include simple worksheets. These will give the child the sense that he/she is involved in family learning. Also keep activity boxes readily available with coloring books, paper, simple crafts, etc. that the child can use to stay occupied. Or quiet activities such as age-appropriate building blocks. This way you can keep an eye on the child while working with the older ones. Keep in mind that most skills are grouped across the categories listed above. They do not have to be mastered all at once. Most skills require several years of practice before mastery is achieved. This should alleviate some of your fears about falling behind. With the rapidly-expanding amount of knowledge being generated, there will be gaps – no matter how diligent you are. Even the very best public and private schools do that. So focus on teaching your children how to learn and to enjoy learning. That way they will be able to learn whatever they need when the time comes. 1193 Words To view more 'Teaching Tips' Articles please 'Log In' and visit the 'Achives' page. |
