pedagogical thoughts
what does it mean to teach and learn at the idea school?
This post has been sitting incomplete in my draft box for awhile, but I wanted to publish it in time for summer break. I hope you enjoy these “homework” ideas and please feel free to add your own thoughts and ideas to the comment section. I am reading a fabulous book full of research to support many of the competencies we are reinforcing here at IDEA School. It’s reassuring to know that we’re getting it right and we appreciate your support. The wonderful thing about our model is that because the learning is relevant and meaningful; it’s happening all the time. We know that your child has experiences and opportunities that are enriching outside of our school walls; away from us and while they are at home and in the world with you. These are ideal opportunities to extend on the work we’re doing at the school. While we don’t assign homework, we do expect parents’ partnership and involvement in our children’s development outside of our school day. It can be hard to notice these fleeting moments and be a confident facilitator so I have highlighted a few opportunities below and outlined some strategies for you to try out. 1. Communication Asking meaningful questions at every opportunity can really give your kiddo practice articulating their ideas and can expand their vocabulary immensely. While you’re reading a book, ask “What do you think will happen next?” or “How did you feel when that happened?” When you are asking your child about their school or camp day avoid close-ended questions and instead try: “What was your favorite thing that happened today?” and “What was something challenging that happened?” There is much research to show that dinner table conversation can be so enriching for kids and while kids should be encouraged to participate, parents should also feel entitled to discuss the events of their own day. Even though it might not seem so, big kids want you to show interest in their lives too. Make sure you are taking time to thoughtfully ask questions and really listen. Also…
2. Problem Solving It is never too early or too late to do number play with your kids. When your child is ready for an allowance (more about this here) give it to them in change. My daughter loves to trade in her change for dollars, but the deal is she has to make a dollar first. With older children, open up a bank account and show them how to manage and check their account online. Include them when problem solving comes up in your own life; tax filing, shopping for credit cards, calculating mortgage tax payments, figuring area of a room. Also…
3. Focus and Self-Control When your child is engaged in something, they are practicing sustained focus and control. Turn off the T.V.! Trust me, it’s so good for your kid to be bored. Imagination, creativity, innovation are all muscles that need to be exercised. This doesn’t mean that you have to entertain or even plan activities for your kid. Simply provide some art materials: (nothing fancy needed!) paper, markers, recycling, masking tape or open-ended toys like Lego and other building materials, realistic stuffed animals and plastic animals. If you have an older child, give them a menu of creative tech tools they can use on the computer. Also, make sure they have creative materials they can tinker with on their own: drill, scrap wood, rope, old electronics, camera, fabric, stationary, etc. Ultimately, your kids need time with you to talk and snuggle and have fun. Between those times, make sure to give them the freedom to experiment, play, and discover independently. Check out this short film for inspiration and then get to work!
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