Learning with a Creative Flair

Children learn and discover in their own ways and at their own pace.  You cannot force a child to learn or rush him along.  And educational opportunities must be delivered in different ways. Children learn differently, so many teachers add creativity and depth to their lesson plans to help their students understand.

In my kindergarten class, we sing and dance.  We listen to stories that have rhymes or songs.  We predict what might happen next.  Artwork is woven into science and social studies.  When we discuss the weather, my students might ask if they can venture just outside our door.  Once outside, they can feel the air and observe the clouds.  In our science lab, we cut apart flowers to discover their parts, and this is how we remember what a stem, a leaf and a root are.  And I am not alone.  All of the kindergarten teachers at my school do very similar things with their students.  I am part of a staff that cares about education and wants children to learn. 

While we sometimes focus on passing the test, we do not teach to the test.  This means that after the test is signed and sealed, we want our students to remember what they have learned.  There are many teachers in Capistrano Unified who are using these same skills to produce learners. 

As I discussed in last week’s column, "A One-Size-Fits-All Education," one core curriculum may not fit everyone.  So we tweak and maneuver to fit the needs of the children in our classes. 

Parents also need to remember that each child is an individual.  Your son may learn differently than your daughter.  Your daughter may learn differently than you did.  So if your child is struggling with a concept, think about other ways he might be able to learn.  Does he forget his math facts?  Can you create a song or chant with the math facts?  He might be able to learn while singing to the rhythm.  Can you use objects such as pennies or buttons to help him with counting or subtracting?  Some students need to feel what they are doing.  It may take a little creative thinking on your part but, it is better to get creative than to watch your little one become frustrated.

If you are not quite sure how to apply this information to your child, stay tuned!  In the near future, I will be discussing what I have learned from studying the work of Howard Gardner and Sandra Kaplan.  Their research has helped to develop concepts that may help you to better understand how your children are learning and what you can do to help them.