As a parent, you understand the importance of incorporating learning moments into your child’s daily routine. You want to play an active role in their education. However, with busy schedules, it’s easy for learning time to get overlooked. That’s where establishing a routine for learning can be helpful. Just like bedtime or mealtime, making learning time a part of your daily routine ensures that it becomes a consistent and natural part of your day. Let’s explore how you can create a learning routine that works for you and your child.
Getting Started with a Learning Routine
Starting a learning routine may feel overwhelming, but the first step is always the hardest. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Select a Learning Time That Works: Consider your current schedule and identify blocks of time that are relatively free. Choose a time when both you and your child have optimal energy levels, good moods, and are alert. Also, take into account how much time your child can handle for learning activities.
Start Small: If committing to a learning routine every day seems challenging, start small. Establish a routine for a few days a week, such as Tuesdays and Thursdays or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You can even have a morning session on one day and an afternoon session on another. The key is to make the routine work for you and your child.
Structuring Your Learning Time
Once you’ve established a learning time, it’s important to structure the sessions effectively. Here are some elements you can incorporate:
Books and Stories: Start each learning session by reading a story that aligns with the lessons your child will be doing. Books are a great way to introduce and teach concepts and lessons.
Rhymes, Songs, and Movement: Keep the learning time engaging by incorporating rhymes, songs, and movement activities. Alternating academic activities with singing or movement songs adds variety and keeps your child engaged.
Crafts and STEM Projects: Reinforce the topic of the day by including crafts, simple play scenarios, or STEM projects. These hands-on activities provide a well-rounded learning experience.
Make Learning Time Predictable
Children thrive on predictability, so making the learning time consistent and predictable is essential. Here’s how you can create a sense of predictability:
Designate a Learning Space: Choose a specific area for learning time, free from distractions, and inviting. Whether it’s floor space with pillows, a designated couch, or a small work table, having a consistent learning spot helps create a focused environment.
Give it a Name: Come up with a fun and creative name for your learning time together. This gives your child a cue that it’s time to learn. Use names like “Wee Lions Time,” “Mommy and Me Time,” “Gathering,” or “Wiggles and Giggles.”
Follow a Consistent Flow: Establish a flow of activities for each learning session. This helps your child know what to expect and creates a sense of structure.
Visual Schedule: Create a visual poster that outlines the learning time schedule. Display it where your child can easily see and refer to it.
Have Materials Ready
Before starting each learning session, ensure that you have all the necessary materials prepared and readily available. This includes charging devices, logging into the website, gathering craft supplies, and having any songs or online resources bookmarked. By being prepared, you can focus on spending quality time with your child without interruptions.
Remember, learning with your child is a rewarding experience, and Wee Lions provides a flexible curriculum that allows you to tailor the learning time to suit your family’s needs. By incorporating learning into your routine, you are actively contributing to your child’s education and setting them.