Making the Most of At-Home Learning

I’m delighted that parents are increasingly helping their children read by working with them at home. Unfortunately, some parents think such efforts require special training or pricey equipment. With some easy tips, your at-home reading and other learning activities can be simple, successful, even memorable.

First, designate a block of time that you and your child can count on fairly regularly. Thirty minutes several times a week should suffice. Longer sessions can cause the child to become bored.

Make sure the “appointment” allows the child some breathing time. At the end of my school day, for example, I need a peaceful drive with the top down to prepare for the writing I’ll do at home later. In the same way, your child needs to “recover” from school before starting your study session.

Maintaining a regular place for the child’s learning is also wise. If space permits, set up a small desk and chair (along with supplies and books) to which the child may retreat. If that’s not feasible, at least put the child’s supplies and books in an accessible box or basket.

Even toddlers can detect a routine and become bored quickly, so use a variety of learning activities and change their order often. Let the child choose at least one of the day’s activities. Young children are particularly stimulated by color and other visual cues; using colored pens, crayons, and other supplies are a good way to keep their interest.

Nothing is more encouraging than having a gang of people rooting for your success, so involve as many family members in the home learning activities as possible. I believe that this kind of nurturing can also keep children away from drugs and crime later in life.

As you and others work with the child, it is crucial to recognize correct answers with some physical contact and a specific comment such as, “You sounded out that word very quickly, Willis,” or “Yes, April, full is the opposite of empty.”

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When a wrong answers pops up, give the child time to catch it before doing so yourself.

In addition, let at-home learning activities be followed by recreational time. Kids are generally more enthusiastic about serious activities when they know they’ll still be permitted to take part in lighter ones later.

Finally, if you’re at a loss about what kinds of activities to explore with your child, ask his or her teacher. Visiting the stores where teachers buy their materials may help, too; my favorite for variety and quality is Lakeshore Curriculum Materials Co., 8888 Venice Blvd., Culver City.