How Can I Help My Child?
Don't Panic! This program was designed for your child and for you as the Home Facilitator.
If you have a problem that this manual does not address, call or email your child's teacher for advice.
Your role as the Home Facilitator is crucial to the success of the program. The materials you receive may look overwhelming but we have attempted to provide everything needed to help you provide a quality learning experience for your child. Check your materials carefully. Inform your school or child's teacher immediately if any items are missing.
Types of Learners
Children learn in different ways and there are many different types of learners. As your child's home facilitator, you need to observe and identify the kind of learner your child is. This information will help you expand and develop activities that make the most of your child's abilities and give you opportunities to expose him or her to other styles of learning.
The three main types of learners are:
- visual
- auditory
- kinesthetic
Visual Learners:
- usually see pictures of things or words in their minds
- learn best from diagrams and illustrations
- enjoy art and drama
Auditory Learners:
- prefer to listen to people talking
- can remember more easily what they hear than what they read
- learn by sounding out words
- are easily distracted by noise
Kinesthetic Learners:
- learn by manipulating objects and moving about
- often need to use their body to get ideas across, for
example, hand movements, acting out, or pacing about
As each child is different, it is important for you to:
Adapt the pace where necessary
Most modules are divided into two or three sets. Each set contains five sections of lessons. You can adjust the time allotments in each section to suit your child's developmental level. Some children may need more time to complete a section of work while others may need less.
Adapt the lessons to suit your child's needs
If your child has a good understanding of the concept or skill presented, move on to the next activity. If your child does not have a complete understanding of a skill, take some time to provide review and practice activities. If your child becomes frustrated, go on with the program and revisit the concept or skill at a later time.
Act as your child's scribe
There will be times in the modules when you will be asked to be your child's scribe. You will be asked to add information to webs, print lists, or put information on charts. It is important that you print your child's answers exactly as they are dictated. These answers will show the teacher that your child understands the concepts being taught.
Give your child as many practical experiences as you can provide. If possible, arrange field trips that are module-related. Provide hands-on experiences, especially in Calendar Time.
Relax and enjoy learning with your child.
If your child experiences any difficulties, contact your child's teacher immediately.
Never do for a child what a child can do independently! |
