General Learning Tips

Getting Back In The School Groove After A Break

-Create a daily schedule, post it in your learning space, and review it with your student daily. Knowing what to expect helps the learning process.

-Hit the ground running but remember to incorporate many breaks the first 2 weeks.

-Create, post, and review learning expectations (rules for school time).

-Take control and be sure you are managing behavior. If you start letting your child get away with bad behavior or avoiding a learning task, it will be harder to get him or her back on track later. Be supportive, motivating, and gently firm from the beginning.

-Make sure your learning space is organized.

-Review lessons the day before you teach them so you are prepared. This gives you confidence as a Learning Coach and also helps maintain a great learning flow for the day.

-Remember PE!  Get those bodies moving!  This increases brain flow and learning.

-Keep a positive attitude and find ways to compliment and congratulate successes.

-Attend your Homeroom Class Connects.

-Get lots of sleep and eat right.

-Remember you are not alone! Contact Mrs. Colbert if you have any problems.

Tracking Progress With A 100's Chart

Some Learning Coaches find it helpful to track progress with a Hundreds Chart. With this tool, the you can see exactly how much progress you are making in each subject. Print our a copy of the chart for each subject and have your student color in a square for every percent progress they make. If you use a different color of crayon or marker each week, you will be sure you make your expected progress each week. It is a great organizational tool and a great motivator.

Setting A Daily Schedule

Setting and sticking to a daily schedule is vital for most families. I recommend creating one that works for your family, post it in your learning area, and try to stick to it.

Some points to remember:
-Build in breaks/snacks each hour
-PE is a great brain break, especially in the afternoon between the last 2 subjects/activities
-Do your harder material (LA, Phonics & Math) in the morning when you are all fresh

Here is an example of what a daily schedule may look like:

Take Advantage of the Season!

The weather is changing and a lot is happening outside. Here are some ideas about how to bring "school" outside:
-On a nice day, take some of your work outside and work in the sun (don't forget sunblock and sunglasses).
-Learn about the seasons, weather & the water cycle (count it as some science time)
-Take a nature walk (count it as science or PE time)
-Yard work (learn about science or log it as PE)
-Rake leaves (science & PE)
-Plant flowers or make flower art

Is Your Child Having Trouble Focusing???

-Be sure to have a daily schedule posted and do your best to stick with it.

-Build in breaks as the child needs them.

-Reduce distractions when working.

-Have a “School Space” to work.

-Let your child move around.  Think of supplemental games and activities that get the child out of his or her seat.

-Get a yoga ball for your child to sit on.  A little bounce helps some children to focus.

-Reduce sweets in the morning and at lunch.  Give them “brain food.”

-Sleep is important.  No one can work well when tired.  You too, Learning Coaches!!!

Singing Songs Helps Learning

If you are having trouble remembering something, put it to a tune and sing it. This strategy helps with memory recall, reduces stress, lightens the learning environment, and increases happiness.

Knowing Your Child's Learning Style

-Auditory Learner: Learns by hearing and listening
-Visual Learner: Learns by seeing
-Kinesthetic/Tactile Learner: Learns by doing

The best way to determine your child's main learning style is by observing.

It is important to know and use your child's main learning style when teaching. This increases understanding, reduces struggles, and helps develop a more positive relationship. When teaching, use your child's strengths to compensate for his or her weaker areas.

Are You Stuck In A Learning Rut?

-Pull out some old math or reading games and incorporate them into your day.

-Log into Reading Eggs!

-Find times in your learning for fun or silliness.

-During reading, try acting it out. You can also use different voices or expressions.

-Make a theme day! Make all your learning tie into a theme, character, food, or experience.

-Take a nature walk and log some science time.

-Instead of doing your school work in your normal area, make a blanket fort in your living room and do school there for the day.

What About School Breaks & Holidays?

During Winter break, Spring break, and summer, it is important to have your child engage in learning activities a few times per week. Research has found that students who continue their learning throughout long breaks retain their skills and have an easier time adjusting back to school.

Here are some suggestions:
-Visit a local library
-Field trips to museums
-Take advantage of the season and use the outdoors for learning opportunities
-Practice math facts
-Learn a new skill (math facts or typing are great ideas)
-Complete skipped lessons in the OLS or workbooks
-Check out the Learning Extensions page for fun units and ideas
-Find good educational websites for skills review
-Word finds, puzzles, mazes, scavenger hunts...
-Read every day!!!