"Literacy
unlocks the door to learning throughout life,
is essential to development and health, and opens
the way for democratic participation and active
citizenship." - Kofi Annan
Learning
is a lifetime journey and it is important that children are supported very
early in life with their learning. Learning can be formal or informal but the
focus of this article is on supporting children age 5 and above with their
learning. Therefore, I will be focusing on supporting their learning with subjects
such as Mathematics (Numeracy), English (Literacy), Science and other formally
taught subjects.
Depending
on where you live, the curriculum used to teach your child will be unique to
that geographical location/country. However, the following suggestions can be
useful in supporting your child with their learning. The list is not
exhaustive.
·
Mathematics/Numeracy support – Right
from an early age, it is good to play number games with your child. This can be
done while taking a walk, when driving with them in the car or on the bus. You
can count how many people you can see and so on and so forth. You can also play
matching games with your child to teach them about shapes and sizes. Your child
can be supported to copy patterns and colour them. Using visual aids can also
help your child in learning mathematical vocabulary. Investing in number charts
and magnetic shapes is a very good idea. Your child will be able to see the
numbers and arrange them on a magnetic board or on the fridge.
·
English/Literacy- This involves
listening, speaking and reading. Therefore, every parent should ensure they
read to their child at a very early age and encourage the child to listen and
respond to stories, songs and rhymes. The art of comprehension should be
encouraged. This means after reading to your child, ask them questions and let
them respond so you can be sure they have understood what you have read to
them. Their response also helps you to support their speaking skills and also
extends their vocabulary. Through their speaking they learn the art of
interaction. It is very important that children see us read as they pick up on
what we do. You should read with your child and pause occasionally to discuss
the book and explain to the child who an author is, the plot and the characters
in the book etc. Another good idea is to take your child to the library or book
store and let the child select a book he/she wants to read.
·
Writing- While I was growing up, my
mother used to say to me, ‘reading makes a ready man and writing a perfect
man’. As soon as your child can hold a pencil safely, give the child a blank
piece of paper and a pencil and let the child attempt to write whatever he/she
can on the piece of paper. A lot of patience is needed. Once the child is able
to hold the pencil effectively, teach the child to write his/her name. You can
progress to giving the child the opportunity to write your shopping list when
you need to go shopping or when they get to the age of making many requests of
what they need, around age 5 to 7, tell them to write you a list of their
needs.
Science
and other subjects – It is a very good idea to introduce your child to reading
non-fiction books at a very early age. This will give the child the opportunity
to learn more about the world we live in and introduce them to subjects like
Geography, Science, Art and Design, Music and Physical Education etc.
The
best legacy you can leave your child is the gift of good education all round.
Expose your child to learning. Be interested in their education, support them
and if you are the busy parent due to the nature of your work, engage the
service of a good professional who can support them. Be wary of those who just
collect your money but do not help your children to improve in their learning.
About the writer
Felicia
Yetunde Onilogbo is an educationist who loves teaching children and training
adults. She has a passion for developing children and women and supporting them
to realise their potentials. She is happily married with three lovely
children.She has written a book titled 'You Are A Person of Influence'
