Learning Progress

Hi Aileen, I’m copying and pasting my email replies to you here, so that other Mummies can refer to them to:

Ha… I’m also not the creative type, very straight, so I mainly make flashcards based on topics my boy’s interested in or what I think is important to introduce to him.

3-4 times of home practice is very good for a start. After you get the routine going, your boy may even start asking to have lesson time every day!

Since you’re starting out, it’s good to spend some time on the lesson-free days to make and organise materials.

When Vee was 3, I’d give him some marker pens and a gluestick, then he’ll do random craft beside me while I made flashcards.

Photographic memory:
If the material is related to your boy’s interest, it’s possible to use the same materials for a long while.
E.g. I made several different sets of photo-memory games (e.g. 1 carpark background with 6 sports cars attached with velcro).
After many months, we can still use the same materials. Just rotate within those few until he’s interested in newer stuff.

These few weeks, we’ve been playing photo-memory games with Happy Family or Snap game cards.

Linking memory: I go through 10 cards. Once he can remember most of all, after 1-2 days, move to the next 10. After completing the set and we’re familiar with the story (not necessarily able to do the whole set by himself), we move to the next set. We move to prevent him from being bored of the same story. If he loves the story and wants to keep repeating, it’s fine too.

It’s fine to spread the activities out through the day. Personally, i find the energy ball and breathing exercises very important because it relaxes every one’s mind (both me & the kids) and helps in concentration.
This means even when we’re doing non-Shichida learning activities and I find that we need to relax and focus, I’ll start doing the exercises and encourage the kids to do so.

Also helpful: play relaxation music in the background while the child is playing or doing home practice.
I play soft classical music or an Alpha wave CD (e.g. here), really helps us to relax.

When you’re resuming the activities at a later time, perhaps can at least demonstrate deep breathing for 3 times. Be fun 🙂
E.g. “Ah, let’s play some games together. Firstly, let’s relax and breathe now! Hoo… hoo… hoo… Here’s a big kiss and a BIG warm hug…”
Then start playing.

If he’s happily engaged in playing with some toys, e.g. Lego, I won’t distract him and try to bring in home practice.
I may play beside him and when the time is suitable, perhaps choose 2 small pieces and ask, “Let’s guess where’s the red piece!”

Usually, for senses games, I’d play a variety using either the same or different materials.
E.g. same set of Snap cards can be used to play guessing game, then telepathy, then photographic memory. By choosing different pictures.

If the child enjoys the game and wants to repeat, I’d let him repeat several times.
Repeating is a chance for him to practice his skill, that’s home practice. 🙂
Avoid saying “no” during home practice to prevent disappointment. Let him repeat a few times as long as he finds it fun since he doesn’t get to do that much in class.

(Anyway, I avoid all negative phrases especially during learning sessions. Keep upbeat, positive, excited and the energy will be transferred to the child.)

If he wants to repeat TOO many times on 1 activity, I’d bring out something else interesting and say, “Now, let’s try this new game!” Then see his reaction.

After a while, you’ll know when to stop an activity while he’s still interested and before boredom kicks in.

Observe your boy and see what he likes to play with or talk about. Then try to do home practice using what’s he’s interested in. He should welcome that. 🙂

Have fun!