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How to encourage learning in DC?

6 replies

hidinginthenightgarden · 16/03/2019 20:44

DS loves to learn things. He has just been asking to do his times-tables, reads fact books at bedtime and is obsessed with how the world works. He is 6.
DD had a very traumatic start to life and is a bit behind in her development. She is smart in her own way but uses her powers for evil not learning! I see so much opportunity for DS and feel like I am failing DD a bit. Aswell as having a bit of a delay, she is our second child whereas DS was our first so he had more time and attention doted on him.
We do the usual counting as we go with DD, what colour is that, what can you see etc when we are out and about. Is there much else I can do for her? apps maybe that may help encourage her development? She is 3.5 and so far can count (most of the time) to ten, do most colours and some shapes. She can recognise some words written down such as her and her brother's names. Speech is catching up and has improved loads in the last 12 months.
Am I expecting too much maybe or should I be pushing her a bit more?

OP posts:
spaghettipeppers · 16/03/2019 20:50

Dear me, she's 3!

I wouldn't bother with any apps, the best things you can do are practical (and as you've said, you're already doing them). The most important thing is to read and to play.

hidinginthenightgarden · 16/03/2019 20:56

I know spaghetti - but DS was so much further ahead at her age and I feel a bit responsible. I know all children develop differently but I still feel like I am failing her sometimes. I can't even think what I might have done differently with DS than I have with DD. Although I am much more tired with 2 so maybe I was more enthusiastic!

OP posts:
ellaballoo · 16/03/2019 21:18

If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be very intelligent, read them more fairytales.

Einstein is reported to have said this . I have to say , I agree . Reading and play are the key . Playing ‘Hit the Button’ is excellent for learning times tables .

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EvaHarknessRose · 16/03/2019 21:25

Read to them and with them. I also found an interesting by product of postgraduate study was that my dc became more interested in study. (Just like when I eat healthier the whole family does too...)

Join the library and go to story time.
Encourage and show interest in extension to school tasks.
Teach ds how to make powerpoint presentations (dd used to make them for fun eg on ancient egypt, or chocolate bars).
Go to free local museums.
Buy The Week Junior if its still running.
Recognise their individual strengths amd learning style. Don’t compare.

Love51 · 16/03/2019 21:26

If you want an anecdote, when my dc2 started school he flew due to having dc1 play schools and teach him everything. You and her dad aren't her only teachers, get dc1 on board!

Camomila · 16/03/2019 22:37

I found the same Eva when I get out my laptop DS gets out his little vtech one and 'does his university work'....bashes a few keys, scribbles on his notepad a bit Smile

I think just being around people that are interested in the world around them helps lots...eg, DS has started asking 'what's an MP' because DH and I have been watching the Brexit debates.

and most of all don't fret too much about numbers/letters etc at this age. I remember not having a clue about maths in reception and merrily drawing sheep all over my workbook (I assume we were supposed to be adding them) and I turned out fine.

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