Did you know that we all remember and learn better if we have information presented when it involves our senses?  I think about when I am learning something new (like gardening) I like to read a description of the plant and growing conditions, and see pictures of it. If there is a video about the care of it then I like to watch it which involves both seeing and hearing. The final step in the learning process is to purchase the plant and care for it. (hands-on) Sometimes that’s more multisensory than I want!

Do you have a child who just can’t seem to get a concept? You have gone over the example in the text several times. So, instead of just reading the directions and explanations one- more- time, try doing something else, get the senses invloved. For instance, instead of textbooks and worksheets see if you can…

• watch /take notes on an educational video on the subject
• discuss the video that was viewed
•  read library books on the topic
• go on a field trip if appropriate
• talk to someone who understands the topic and might be able to give a different perspective
•  go on to another topic and come back to it a while later
•  have your child draw pictures of what they understand this far
• create a comic book about the topic
• listen to an audible version if possible
• give your child an opportunity to vent (Write a nasty letter to fractions, geography, etc. Just remind them that what is written on the paper only applies to inanimate objects. 🙂 )
• Act out the topic if possible. Years ago I had a student that did not understand Shakespeare so the whole family did a reader’s theater and even acted out particularly difficult scenes he was struggling to understand.
• Create a  video, PowerPoint, or a tri-fold board If you are reading about the Battle at Vicksburg, find maps of the battle; go on Google to see the battlefield; draw the area and the battle plan, etc.
• Use Post-It Notes and break down the topic into smaller pieces. Addition- Point 1- Each number of objects is represented by a number. (2 candy bars or small candies) and (2 people). Point 2- You can add these together to see how many you have in total. Ask your child what they think the number will be. Point 3: Count them (2 candy bars or small candies ) and (2 people) and determine if the answer given was correct. Point 4: Eat the candy bar or small candies if the answer was correct. If not, cut the candy bar in smaller pieces or use more small candies for extra examples.

I know there are other ideas, but I hope this will give you some other options for teaching. If you care to share I’d love for you to comment.

Have a great week! ~ Lisa ~