#self-learning worksheets

The aim of an afterschool program should be to turn those aimless after school hours into a productive learning session. Kids these days are already under immense stress to perform and excel. But the study module offered by schools falls short of individually attending to each and every student’s weaknesses and strengths. That’s where after-school programs come into play.

Kumon is an after-school program that offers classes in English and math. In these sessions, children are provided self-learning worksheets and self-study groups to help them hone their independent learning skills and develop a strong foundation in English and maths.  These classes are a stress-free, fun and meaningful way for kids to engage, learn and grow via small steps starting at the just-right level in order to enhance their academic abilities.  

It also benefits the children by helping them up their social skills.  Since children can get to know different sets of kids from those they see at their school, they have access to a wider mass of their age group. It gives them a chance to connect and interact with kids in a different environment.  

Certain afterschool programs also offer academic support. For instance, they offer programs for structured help with homework. The core being simply to guide them, using steps and methods, and leave it to the kids to complete it. This can help in developing their critical thinking and reasoning skills. It also makes them more confident about their own abilities and less stressed about their homework.  

As the saying goes ‘empty mind is a devil’s workshop’. According to research, kids are most likely to indulge in unlawful activities, be prone to drinking and drug use, or even become victims of crime in the hours between 3 to 6 pm. But keeping them engaged can help prevent your kids from engaging in such kind of risky behaviour. Studies have also shown that after school programs in fact contribute to better grades and lesser behaviour problems in your kids.  

We’re living in a globalised world. And English has become the capital language. No wonder every parent today want their kids to be proficient in English. But in our zeal to make them ace it from an early age, we push them too hard. Not realising how such actions can have a negative effect. Teaching is a delicate matter. Even more so when kids are concerned! You need to be cautious all the way. A slight misfire can have a lasting effect. So what’s the right way? How do you make your child more confident with their spoken English?

First, you need to understand the ‘whys’ before approaching the ‘how’s’. Try to understand why your child is finding it difficult to speak English? Reasons could be many. 'Because they are shy', 'because they don’t want to', 'because they are afraid of making mistakes' etc. As a parent you play a big role in helping them develop the confidence to express themselves.

You need to understand that things like this cannot be rushed. That’s why Kumon – a world-renowned after-school program, approaches the learning process in a different way.  They start with a diagnostic test. This helps them asses the individual child’s just-right level of learning. It also helps them gauge their comprehension ability and learning speed. Once done, they take small steps to develop their reading and comprehension skills. Unlike school where the child has to keep up with the syllabus, at Kumon they allow them to advance at their own pace. Basis their comprehensive and learning ability they are handed out self-learning worksheets. This inculcates a healthy learning and reading habit, develops the child’s reasoning and critical thinking skills and also builds their level of confidence.

While approaching your kid’s spoken English class or English learning session, make sure that you don’t show disappointment when your child refuses to say a new word. You need to understand that being the centre of attention can be scary even for grownups and they are just kids.  To help them say a word or sentence without being worried, ask them to say it in various ways- i.e. with a singing voice, with a growling voice, with a sad face and a happy face or a sleepy face. When the stress is not on speaking but making faces and have fun, your child would be more than happy to comply, and repeat the exercise again and again.

Remember those boring class lectures when your gaze was constantly fixed at the watch? You stare across the barren playground or throw a gaze at the period bell, which yet seems to be unattended. Every minute was excruciating and it felt like time was playing tricks with your head. That’s the thing about an uninteresting class. If the teacher can’t sustain your interest, you will have neither the ability nor the intent to learn. That’s why the role of an educator is so vital. They should be able to motivate, keep the students engaged and also deliver the lesson.  

Today educational institutes and educators alike are opting for a friendlier approach. This helps in connecting with the students. The more you bond with them, more likely they are to attend your class and be attentive as well. Research suggests that students are twice as likely to approach a teacher who has a friendlier attitude. When you explain a theory by applying a joke or draw some kind of analogy, you don’t simply have their undivided attention; your students are able to grasp the concept more easily.  

From immersive learning to online coaching to learn while playing, it’s the age of experiments and people are doing all they can, to make learning more interactive and effective.  Every teacher has his/her own pointers when they are out to deliver a lesson. Perhaps you can turn the learning lesson into a singing session. Convert the pointers into lyrics and sing it. Even rap it. You can also create a role play interactive session. For instance, you sketch out a scenario. Build an interesting story and characters. Let’s say the situation involves a cop and a thief. The thief just stole something but the cop doesn’t know it. As they cross path, the thief is feeling nervous and weary. The cop just has a random chat but things take a hilarious turn. Here you can call out students as volunteers. They need to improvise and act it out. This will not only improve their English communication and verbal skills but also stimulate their brains and make them more confident while speaking out in front of a crowd.