Active Learning

It is important to instill a desire in children to expand their knowledge by actively participating in learning. There are at least 2 situations to illustrate active learning.

Firstly, children are by nature inquisitive and like to ask questions. This should be encourage as asking and answering questions, solving problems and exploring interests help develop a habit to find out more about something. Active learning takes place when your child plays sports, spends time with friends, acts in a school play, plays a musical instrument or visits museums and bookstores. To promote active learning, listen to your child's ideas and respond to them. Let him jump in with questions and opinions when you read books together. When you encourage this type of give-and-take at home, your child's participation and interest in school is likely to increase.

Secondly, when a child reads up school texts, it helps the child to focus on the topic if he does active learning like taking notes, drawing charts, maps, diagrams etc. to organise facts and remember them. Visual and kinesthetic learners benefit most from these activities. The brain becomes more engaged to facilitate the complex processes of sifting and sorting out information read and translate this into diagrams and notes. This will promote concentration, better understanding and retention of the study materials.