Understanding Planning and Reflection

Learning doesn't follow a calendar.  This summer there are plenty of ways to help your child build necessary skills.  In today's post we'll be discussing planning and reflection, the benefits of both, and how to use these strategies in your home.

Planning and Reflection

The National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC] defines planning as choice with intention.  Real choice involves more than picking A or B.  For example, consider asking your child what they would like to do right now. The goal is to get them to think several steps ahead. They'll need to consider what they want to do, where they will do it and what materials they'll need.  Planning requires anticipating problems and discovering solutions.

Reflection is defined as memory with analysis. It's always a good idea to assess what they've done, but reflection goes deeper. Questions are a good way to find out what a child learned, what was interesting and whether or not they liked the experience. Getting a child to reflect connects them with emotions and helps them communicate their needs.

Does it Work?

Research shows planning and reflection serve children in a number of ways. Different studies have shown that a child who is allowed to plan and reflect scored higher on measures of language, literacy, social skills and overall development.

Putting Theory into Practice

Now it's time to try out these ideas at home.  There are some simple things you can do to help facilitate planning and reflection.

1. Make these activities a part of your daily routine.

2. Be flexible.  When your child tells you his or her plan, don't dismiss the idea. Ask open-ended questions to help guide your child reach a decision based on critical thinking.  The same goes for reflection. Your memory of events may be different from your child's.

3. Allow your child to choose a communication style.  Younger kids may rely on non-verbal cues or objects.  This is fine, just make sure you verbalize what you think your child is saying to avoid confusion.

Now that you have the basics, make this summer one of fun and learning!  Let us know how it goes!

Photo Credit: Markus Grossalber via Flickr