In my last few columns, I have been discussing ways in which children learn or how they might become better learners. This week, I would like to share with you what I have learned from Dr. Sandra Kaplan’s research and theories. A professor at USC’s school of Education, Dr. Kaplan has identified things that successful learners do in order to help them achieve their educational goals. As you read through the following points, consider ways in which you might be able to help your child incorporate these good study habits into their lifestyle.
- According to Dr. Kaplan, Scholars come to school prepared to learn. This means that their backpack has the tools they need for a successful day at school. To me, it also means that they have had a good night’s rest, eaten a healthy breakfast and have a healthy snack and lunch.
- Scholars are curious and ask many questions. When you read a story to your child, you can model this behavior by asking him questions about the story. If you discuss an issue with your youngster, encourage her to ask questions to allow for more interaction. This will give them an opportunity to express their own curiosity and thought process.
- Scholars save their unfinished work so they can return to it later, when they have more time. This can be as simple as jotting down some notes when preparing a report or drawing a diagram of something they would like to build someday in the future.
- Is the “glass half empty or half full”? To a scholar, their own “receptacle” is always filling up but there is always more to learn and room exists for storing new information.
- Consider the SMART goals! SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-framed. Quite simply, these children have vision for what they want to do.
- Teach your child to be a thinker. Children who spend some time pondering ways to solve a problem or thinking about new ideas are in the process of exercising their intelligence.
These are only a few of the many ideas that Kaplan has shared with educators and parents. I hope it gives you something to ponder as you help guide your child into becoming a successful little learner for life.
