Name: Connie
Problem: I have 2 kids and I'm trying to set them down so they can learn how to count and all the things to know this stuff. I have a hard time getting them to sit down and learn. They always are interested in something else like they would rather go outside or play with their trucks. One of my boys just doesn't want to do it at all. One wants to go to school and the other doesn't. I try to make it fun to learn but they would rather do something else. What can I do to make them understand that they have to know this to get into school. They are boys and are very active they just don't want to do what you want them to do. I am really pulling my hair out. Please someone help me.
Solution posted by Debbie from Orangevale, CA: Please read this book. "Miseducation Preschoolers at Risk" by David Elkind; It is wonderful. Play is what your children need now. That is how they learn. Boys in particular will rebel against "forced learning." They will learn when they are ready. Your job is to provide and enriched environment. Have art supplies readily available (paper, crayons, scissors, etc.) and playdough for small motor development. Always include outdoor or gross motor play everyday.
Editor's Note: The above mentioned book is available to buy through our #!Parentsroom Book Store simply by clicking on the Title above.
Another solution posted by "Darla": I encourage you to take advantage of "teachable moments." I work with families with young children and we suggest to parents to observe what a child is interested in and use that opportunity for teaching "school readiness" kinds of information. Examples include: setting a table is a great opportunity to teach sorting, counting and matching.
Another Solution posted by "BobH":It has been a challenge to find ways to teach our four year olddaughter as well. She is HFA which provides an additional challenge. I have found that she learns best when she isn't aware that I am trying to teach her something. For example she knew how to recite numbers but was not able to count. One day we were rough housing and she was asking me to tickle her, in between tickles I would hold up fingers and ask her to count. I wouldn't tickle her again until she counted the fingers. Within about ten minutes she was counting correctly. This worked so well that I decided to try something else and she learned right and left the same way My point is that teaching doesn't necessarily involve sitting down in a formal atmosphere. IF you can sneak it into an activity that your child enjoys they may learn something in spite of themselves. Another thing that is working well for us is teaching her letters using the word processor on the computer. I set the letters to a very large type and bright color, and have her help me type out words. She still has a way to go and doesn't sit still for long, but she is trying. I hope this is some help and wish you much luck.
Please submit any more solutions.