Experiential Learning

Post 261

Last week’s post was all about holiday stress and how to help your little one deal with it. This week let’s think about how your child can use some of the academic skills they are learning in a real way at this time of year. The educational term for that is “experiential learning”…knowledge gained through experience or doing things. It’s fun and makes what is learned in the classroom relevant to students’ lives.

One of the main concepts I try to get across at this time of year is to think of others. We discuss how it isn’t only about what they want but about kindness to others. We talk about that “great feeling” you get when you give someone something special. And what could be more special than making something for the people you love? We make a present a week for our families so the students each have a bag of gifts to give to the important people in their lives.

You can do the same thing at home. How about using those budding literacy skills to help your child make cards for people they love? Make a list of names for them to copy(Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt, Brother, etc.) and a list of phrases you come up with together (I love you, Happy Holidays, etc.) Show them how to fold a piece of paper in half, write on one side and draw a holiday picture on the other to make a card. You could even take it a step further and show your little one how to put their card in an envelope, put on a stamp, help them address and mail it. That’s experiential learning!👍

A way to use budding math skills is to help your child make a list by writing the numbers 1 – 10 for them to copy (if needed). They can then write or draw a picture of 10 things they are hoping to receive during the holidays. Again…experiential learning!

These are just two examples. I’m sure you can think of other scenarios tailored to your child to help them use their Kindergarten skills. It’s an amazing way to help them connect with the true meaning of the season while showing them that what they are learning in the classroom is something they will use in their real lives.

Take Care. 🙂

Holiday Stress

Post 260

Holiday preparations are totally underway in Kindergarten by now. Our shared reading, journal writing, math lessons, theme projects all center on December celebrations. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other special day, the anticipation is high and the children are becoming more and more excited. (This year I am emphasizing kindness as we make a present each week so my students can give the special people in their lives a heartfelt gift.)

So with all this happy stuff going on is your five year old suddenly grumpy and out of sorts? Why are they cranky and what can you do about it? (This may not be your child but it certainly was mine!)

First of all, realize that this behavior is totally normal. There’s a lot going on right now. We are all stressed trying to get everything done and your little one feels and mirrors that pressure. And they are still trying to do their best in the classroom and “hold it all in” until they can “release” it at home. (Again, not your child? Be thankful! lol)

The best suggestion I can make is to try, as best you can, to do what I am trying to do in school. Keep to established routines while incorporating holiday activities. Try to maintain the same bedtime, wake up time, meal times and homework times as usual. Include your little one in seasonal prepartions such as baking, card writing, decorating, etc. as much as you can. And, while we are on the subject, don’t feel you have to go to every holiday event out there and continue every holiday tradition at home. Pick and choose what would mean the most to you and your child and leave the rest until next year. (I know, that’s easier said than done but it’s so worth it. 😀)

The main thing is to realize that a certain amount grouchiness is to be expected. And it will end…in January. So enjoy the good things December brings with your special child and let the rest go.

Take Care. 🙂