Stimulating Activity and Homework-Asset 23

Stimulating Activity and Homework

To invest in this developmental asset, parents, caregivers, teachers and other adults are mindful of a child’s individual needs as they provide opportunities for play, learning, and exploration. Age-appropriate children are stimulated to do homework when it’s assigned.

The emphasis with this asset is on variety and diversity of activities and experiences that appeal to all of a child’s senses. In addition, this asset focuses on how to assist your child with homework when they at the age that their learning experience call for it.

Keeping in mind that every child has five primary senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling (emotional and physical touch sensations), try to arrange and provide experiences that allow the child to gain an appreciation for all of their senses. Take a child to interesting places that allow them to interact using their senses. Many cities have museums that are specifically designed for the purpose of giving children hands-on experiences and displays that allow multisensory interactions and learning opportunities. If there is no children’s museum in your area, take your child to art museums, concerts, talent shows, sculpture gardens, aquariums, nature hikes, amusement parks, water parks, malls, county fairs, science exhibits and any other environment that they have not been to before that offers unique age-appropriate learning opportunities.

When engaged in the types of activities described above, always be available to answer questions but don’t get stuck only in the “answer person” role. Take it upon yourself to ask more questions to get your child thinking or guide them to resources and experiences that help them to learn more. Also, ask your child questions that get them to focus on all their senses. For instance, if hiking, ask you child to notice certain details of the environment. Have them describe the differences between two different types of pines trees. Have them touch pine cones or cattails. Have them smell flowers. Have them taste edible berries. Have them feel the wind or the sun on their face. Have them describe what they hear when you stop and just listen to the sounds in nature.

With regards to homework, take the time and make the effort to set up a special area for your child to do his or her homework. Make sure it is in a quite area of the house with a comfortable chair and desk or table and that it is well lit and has all the supplies they would need to do projects and complete assignments. Help them chart or plan long-term assignments. Teach them how to work slowly and complete small steps one at a time until the work is complete. Let them know that it’s a good thing to take short breaks when they feel weary or frustrated. Support and reward them for making homework a part of their evening routine with fun rewards or activities once their work is done. Show enthusiasm and model doing your own work, reading or projects in the evening. Be available to give help and advice when they requested. All this teaches them that you value them and their education.

Any questions? Call or email me any time.