Keep it fun:
• I believe fully that learning should be fun, active, and age-appropriate. Secondly, everyone involved should be successful. Any stress from the parent or guardian due to preparation or feeling overwhelmed will filter down to the child. For most children, learning time should be broken into no more than 10-15 minute segments throughout the morning or early afternoon. Remember that five minutes of learning time every day is better than 30 minutes once a week.
• In doing focused learning time with the child, changes need to be made if tears, frustration, and stress are encountered. Continuing in this manner could have devastating consequences on the child's formal education. As much as possible, remember to keep sitting time to a minimum, and space the learning throughout the day. Most importantly, remember that the child deserves the right to still be a little boy or little girl.
• Always watch for signs that the child needs a break. It is always better to come back to a concept than push too far. Look for signs of tiredness, frustration, or impatience. Always use positive reinforcement and never belittle the child for not knowing something. Be patient. When patience is running thin for you or the child, it is time to take a break.
• Don’t forget to verbally praise the child for their hard work and a job well done. A high five or a hug can go a long way when learning new items.
• Do not get anxious or stressed over how fast the child is learning a concept. All of the items take time. While one concept will take two weeks, others will take one day. This will vary between children.
• Get the whole family involved. A preschool child loves to demonstrate to Daddy, Grandma, or siblings what they are learning.
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