SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING

"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'