How to Turn Your Child’s Experiences into Teachable Moments

By Erin McNeill Teachable moments are simply unplanned opportunities for learning. They aren’t part of the curriculum or the activities for the day, they are simply a child-led question or interest that sparks a moment of education on a particular topic. Here are a few suggestions on making the most out of the teachable moments that pop up throughout your day. Find or create opportunities for learning – Learning happens in a variety of different locations, but some of the best experiences come from nature. Head out for a walk, go to the beach or scooter to the park.

While you walk or play in the sand, ask questions that prompt thoughtful responses from your children. Those responses may turn

into more questions from your child, which will result in more discussion about the topic. The possibilities are endless! Explain answers and use big words – Be ready to explain things to your child. If you can’t explain something, let them know that you don’t know but you’d like to research it

together. Use big and technical words when describing things to children; if they don’t know what the word means, explain the meaning to them! This is a wonderful way to help children expand their vocabulary. Be ready to research – When your child asks you about something you don’t know, be prepared to do some research on the topic and include your child in the research process. Show them how to

find information so that they can do it the next time. Use the resources available to you, such as the internet, the library and the people around you, or even do a science experiment to answer your questions. Do craft projects that inspire moments – Do a craft project about rain or flowers, and then discuss the water cycle or the part of a flower. A quick search on the internet will turn up dozens of projects on various subjects. Start with something simple and move onto more complex projects and concepts as you and your child are ready. Teach through example – Teachable moments are great ways to introduce empathy, tolerance, forgiveness, and helpfulness by example. If you come across someone who needs help while you are out for your walk, show your child the

correct thing to do to help the person in need. Children learn best through example. Take the time after to discuss what other options might have been in the situation and why they were right or wrong. Follow-up – Follow-up your learning by finding a book,

article or project that relates to what you have been discussing. By following-up, you will let your child know that you haven’t forgotten what you’ve been talking and learning about. Use the time to answer any lingering questions or to research further into the topic at hand. Not every moment has to be teachable. Some moments should just be that, a moment. But other times, make the most out of a question or interest that your child has and follow their lead. You’ll know when they’re done talking about the subject, just like you’ll know when they’re thirsting for more information on it. Be prepared to not know the answer and be honest with your child about it. Your child will gain confidence in the world around them if they know they can ask questions and receive answers, even if they aren’t immediate answers.

0saves

Save

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the RSS feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.

Comments are closed.