It’s the authentic experience in reading, writing, and math (really in all academic disciplines) that truly make a difference in what a child will not only learn, but internalize and use. Exposure in isolation does not have the same impact as the authentic experience. Drilling for hours doesn’t come close to the impact of the quick but authentic hit.
Most teachers and parents are extremely busy and may overlook the quick and easy authentic experience for children. One of the main focuses of this blog is a reminder about all of those wonderful authentic teaching moments out there. Sometimes I’ll go into detail if I think the details are important, but usually I’ll try to just put out a quick note about anything that strikes me as a great authentic learning moment for kids.
This also pairs with my favorite teaching and parenting strategy, the “Model Your Thoughts Out Loud” strategy. By voicing your thoughts out loud for organization, planning, problem solving, etc, you are modeling behavior for children to internalize. This can be talking in front of children to a co-worker, spouse, partner, relative, friend, caregiver, or even out loud to yourself. What is important is that kids hear how and why things happen. Events don’t just magically occur and things don’t magically appear without organization, planning and problem solving. I will post ideas about this as well.
My last main focus will be authentic project ideas for teachers. Again, I will go into detail when the details are important, but often I’ll just relay ideas that come to me, or that I come across.