Here's what
you can do to help your child not only get better grades but have more
enthusiasm for learning.
- Talk, talk, talk: Ask your open-ended
questions, like “What would happen if we stopped for ice cream on the way to
the beach?” Such questions help a child reflect on what he knows and tell him
his opinion matters. Don't worry if he's too young to understand. Likewise,
don't be afraid to use relatively sophisticated words, S/he may not understand
them, but they will figure it out if the words are used multiple times in
context.
- Read, read, read: “Reading
stimulates the brain to make connections and builds background knowledge about
the world,” says Kim Davenport, chief program officer at Jumpstart, a national
early-literacy organization. “Reading is the foundation of all learning and will
enable a child to absorb and apply content from all areas, including math and
science.” Modelling good reading habits may give them an edge. “Seeing their
older ones and parents reading for enjoyment will be contagious,” Invite your
child to cozy up on the couch with you to read. Keep books out—in baskets, on
shelves, and on coffee tables. And share what you're reading with your child,
and ask him to do the same. This will not only spark conversation but build
vocabulary and comprehension.
Stick-to-itiveness: the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult or unpleasant. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/
- Praise results Stick-to-itiveness
is a quality that will endear your child to teachers—and employers. We are so
busy making kids feel good that we've lost sight of the time it takes for them
to actually become good,. It's hard to accept failure if you're constantly told
you're the best. When these kids go to school and get a problem wrong, they
think “It can't be me.” Giving the right props is key, Children who are praised
for solving a problem tend to be more motivated in school than children who are
told they're smart. The latter, often become frustrated when something doesn't
come easily.” So instead of giving broad praise (“You're a star!”), give
specific praise for accomplishments (“I'm proud of how you found a different
way to get the answer”). Encourage Perseverance also say “You're almost there.
Keep trying.”
- Celebrate curiosity Preschoolers
very nearly all glow with curiosity. But sometimes kids lose that as they get
older. Keep them excited by honing in on what interests them. If you ask
questions about what they're playing with or talking about you've initiated a
give-and-take that will pay off in a smarter kid. Your child will ask questions
and look for more good stuff to share in return. Take time to turn your kid on
to what you're excited about: Check out interesting things show together, and
tell your child what you like about it and why.
- Seize teachable moments You
can help your child sharpen school skills as you go about your day. Say you
drive by a train. Instead of saying “Hey, a train” or “what sound does a train make?” take it a
step further ask more questions like: “What do you think they do?” Encouraging
observation of details will help your child do the same in class. Even a simple
trip to the store can be a chance to build vocabulary, math skills, and money
smarts. Tell a 2-year-old the names of fruits as you bag them. Ask a 3-year-old
to find four cans of peas. Have a 5-year-old write down which cereal they
wants. Older kids can compare prices and sizes,
What are we saying really?
Whether your child is advanced or average, the best
thing you can do is be involved. What do you most want is for every child to
be? Happy? Funny? Confident? Loved?. Our goal as parents, teachers, elders is
to help a child be the best he or she can be, If you've read this far, you're well on your way.
Next we will give practical advice from the parents
of two gifted children
Reference: http://www.parenting.com/
Reference: http://www.parenting.com/