The Importance of Offering Encouragement That Helps Children Recognize They Are Finding 'Connections in Learning'

Article 1055

Hello, I am Traveler Teacher X.

Today, I would like to write about 'encouraging children'.

This content is especially recommended for those who have opportunities to communicate with children.

I think it also applies to adults, not just children,so please take a look.

The table of contents is as follows.

Children sometimes apply their learning without being conscious of it

Children often naturally apply what they have learned in their daily lives.

First, I would like to introduce some examples of this.

Application of knowledge and skills

Since studying kanji and vocabulary is very easy to visualize, let's start with that.

Have you ever noticed children using kanji or words they have learned before you knew it?

Also, have you ever had such an experience yourself?

For example, being able to write one's own name in kanji.

For example, being able to use the phrase 'killing two birds with one stone' casually.

I believe these are examples of being able to naturally use what one has learned in daily life.

This can be described as the application of knowledge and skills among the things learned.

Application of ways of thinking and ways of learning

Ways of thinking and ways of learning might be a bit difficult to visualize, but I would like to share some examples.

For instance, let's say one has learned the approach of 'trying to think in reverse' in subjects like math or science.

Then, in daily life, opportunities may arise to apply this, such as thinking, 'What if I try doing it this way instead?'

The application of ways of thinking is like this.

I think the application of ways of learning is easier to imagine through experiences such as having collaborated with friends on an activity.

It is common for people to naturally apply the experience of dividing roles or working together to achieve something in other activity settings as well.

Regarding the application of knowledge, skills, ways of thinking, and methods of learning, it can be said for both that they are often used naturally rather than through a conscious 'let's try using this now!' approach.

This is just something I have felt while working at an elementary school, so there is no data to back it up.

However, since they are often used without even recognizing the connections in learning, I feel that if adults or friends involved could provide feedback that validates those connections, learning would likely become even more enjoyable.

Providing feedback to help recognize connections in learning

What kind of approach is effective for helping learners recognize the connections in their learning?

In my opinion,

I believe these two are primarily effective.

When there is an opportunity for school teachers, coaches, or parents to convey something, I think an 'I-message' regarding that is often effective.

Kanji and vocabulary are easy to imagine.

By saying something like, 'Oh, that's the kanji you learned yesterday. You're using it right away, and I think you're really putting what you learned to good use,' it seems possible to draw out the connections in learning and stimulate motivation.

The 'questioning' method is something that can be applied in any situation.

This involves asking questions like, 'I think the phrase "killing two birds with one stone" fits perfectly here. When did you learn that expression?' or making comments like, 'Thinking about it from the opposite perspective is interesting. Have you used that approach somewhere before?'

I think this approach has a strong aspect of helping children recall connections in their learning.

It is not about directly telling them about the connections in their learning, but rather having the children remember and recognize them on their own—that is the idea.

While the questioning method may lack certainty, I personally believe it is more effective because it cultivates the ability for children to discover connections in their learning by themselves.

It may just be a simple comment, but it carries significant weight.

I believe that small, consistent efforts lead to major changes.

Beyond just conveying information, I feel that engaging with children from the perspective of 'connecting learning' creates a win-win sense of enjoyment for both children and adults.

If you have opportunities to communicate with children in your daily life, why not try being mindful of this?

That is all for this time.

Thank you for reading.

I hope this article is helpful to you all, even if just a little.

Your likes, follows, and comments are a source of encouragement for me.

I would be happy if you could show your support with a like or a comment.

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