Many parents hit mental roadblocks trying to help their children with homework. Perhaps you’re trying to teach your child long division or Spanish grammar rules, but the knowledge doesn’t stick. Have you ever considered having your child teach the material to you? The science of how children learn shows that “learning by teaching,” also known as “the protégé effect,” is an effective way for children to build a deeper, longer-lasting understanding of new information. By digging into new concepts and figuring out how to communicate them to others, children must engage more deeply with the material. They must answer questions and clarify areas of uncertainty. Educators say this makes them more likely to retain the information. Many children will relish taking the lead and playing an instructor role. A good way to start is to ask your child to explain a skill or concept they are learning in class and then ask questions. If your student gets stuck, instill good research and study skills by suggesting they refer to their notes or search through other class materials. FLIP THE SCRIPT Supercharge Your Child’s Learning by Letting Them Teach You!
interests them. Start with the big idea and then create a step-by-step explanation, showing connections among the ideas and including examples to illustrate main points. Then encourage them to convert the concepts to a video tutorial and view it together. While this technique lacks some of the verve of face-to-face interaction, the intellectual exercise is still valuable. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions on concepts to practice at home or for learning tools that might facilitate learning by teaching. The teacher may offer questions or suggest activities to give your child new opportunities to play teacher. Also, don’t hesitate to encourage your child to perform skills they have learned, play guessing games about school topics, or listen to them describing new knowledge. Remember that genuine, non-judgmental parental interest in a child’s learning is a high-octane fuel for lifelong growth!
Many kids love making videos, so consider channeling that medium for learning. Have your child create a concept map for a subject that
SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES
BRAIN BREAK!
BAKED PINEAPPLE SALMON
Ingredients
• 1 can pineapple slices, drained, reserving 1/4 cup of juice • 2 1/2 lb side of salmon • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tbsp hoisin sauce • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped • Lime slices
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 3. Place pineapple slices on baking sheet. 4. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper and lay over pineapple. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, garlic cloves, lemon, and pineapple juice. Pour over salmon.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. 7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime slices.
Inspired by ChefJar.com
770-965-3048 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator