Punch 2 - Getting Results

Getting Results

So, you don't want your child to "just read", you want him to read well and enjoy it. You want a kid that thinks outside of the box and knows how to write within one. You are looking for ways to make this happen at home but you think, "I'm not a teacher so what do I do?" and, "Jimmy will probably never listen to me anyway."

Well first, to encourage and empower the parent as teacher, let's put to rest any worries that little Suzy won't listen to you like she does(or will) her teachers. You must believe that you can reach your child and in remarkable ways. You are your child's number one supporter and mentor.

To begin, be open to new ideas and new ways of approaching your parenting. As your child enters, or has entered, elementary school your role as parent increases its definition and responsibilities. Just as your child becomes a student, so you become a teacher, tutor, project supporter and so on. Listed below are some significant ways to influence a strong bond between you and your child for this new adventure.


1. The very first thing you can do to help your child understand, accept and respect that you will be teaching them just as their teachers do is this: Simply tell them. That's right, it's that simple. Over some ice cream or cookies and milk have a chat about the changes that are on the horizon. Be open to, and encourage, lots of questions and allow her to talk or not talk about it. 

Take some time to explain that . . . 

a. soon they will be a kindergartner, or a first grader and it will be so great because they will be learning so many new things including new school yard games

b. they will have school books, new teachers, a cafeteria, auditorium assemblies etc.

c.  mom and dad went too, so we know all about it and can answer any question

d.  you are excited because you will be one of her teachers too, getting to help with  homework

e.  you went to school too and you already know everything she will be learning

f.  you think it would be so great for him/her to learn some things even before K or 1st grade starts and that you can teach him/her right here at home

g.  when you know how to read you can learn about anything in the world

h.  Ask your child if he or she would like to learn to read(or read more). Tell them that you would like to help teach them.

2. Now for you as teacher, don't take yourself too seriously. Remember, a child's mind is like a sponge and you are responsible for keeping a never ending flow of water to it. Instead of "teaching" think of yourself as sharing information. When you say, "the sound for Mm is mmmm", you have shared a part of the code, you have given information. Everything we teach is information. Some information is a seed for future cultivation and other information becomes a tool for immediate use.

3. Be open and ready to leave what you are teaching to pursue what your child wants to learn. This is what we teachers call "emergent curriculum". The idea is to always be open to exploring the interests and ideas your child may "emerge" with.

4. Play a game and teach nothing, JUST PLAY THE GAME. When a child is playing a game they are learning many things. Sometimes we need to let the nature of the game do it's thing while we just have fun playing it.

Getting results may ultimately be about creating a warm, trusting and comfortable learning environment. Be sure you know what results you are looking for.