Radhika aged seven, could not read. Her mother worked on her by encouraging and being supportive by including fun, jokes and stories. For some reason, the child however could not learn. She was confused, although she was tryin ‘fun’ in learningg, her reading remained poor and she knew her mom was sad. Define the magnitude of ‘fun’ in learning Define the magnitude of ‘fun’ in learning
Realising the seriousness of learning the alphabet, for her, was just ‘fun factor’.
Once both realised that the real purpose of their sessions was meaningful and aimed at learning to read; Radhika was helped by her mother to effectively begin to read.
The child was then given clear instructions on:
- What she was going to learn
- How mom was going to teach
- When the play time stopped and started
- When lessons began
Learning can be fun if it is done in a supportive and protected environment. A protected learning environment is one where you and the child know what you are trying to achieve. There will be a clear start and finish time. Interruptions will be kept to minimum and dealt with rapidly, and distractions will be removed. You teach your child to understand that because learning is important, it requires time, attention and effort. By providing a protected environment for the child while she is young, will enable her to create one for herself when she is older.
The purpose of learning is to acquire more skills and understanding.
The best learning environment is relaxed, purposeful, comfortable and cheerful with noise level appropriate to activities. Each person is able to go about his business, individually or in groups without disturbing others.
Now Radhika learns both with objectives and fun because her mom makes her feel they are learning together. When reading is done, they may stop for a chat but both understand that work will continue until it is finished. Radhika knows she has the benefit of her mother’s support and also her companionship. Preparing for exams becomes a part of the fabric of family life. Other family members, as they arrive on the scene, are included in chat or in the serious work.
I would say a good learning environment is created by the attitude of everyone participating and a sense that the purpose is known; also for every participating member to have respect for the effort needed to work successfully.
Give the child the confidence that the learning can be accomplished if the task at hand is given necessary time and resources, and above all the child is made to understand the purpose of learning.
The best learning environment is relaxed, purposeful, comfortable and cheerful with noise level appropriate to activities
