How Edutainment Could Be The New Way Of Learning For Kids With Variety Thrown In

teaching-your-kids-the-art-of-reading-2011-9-10-3-31-2Providing kids at home with the right directions in terms of behaviour and learning is a concern for parents. It is at this tender age that they can be moulded with ideas and which leave deep imprints in their mind. Variety of activities are carried out and indulged in by the kids, who are in the play schools or just entering their full-term at schools. Even for the pre-teen kids, activities are a way to learn new things, especially such things, which can make a mark on their behavioural pattern in their grown up stages.

But, simply put, the work of training kids in the right direction is easier said than done. Children’s education and learning is always being innovated. Play schools are coming up in large numbers, where small kids below the age of 4 – 5 years are acclimatised with the school going conditions and made to learn the basics by means of pictorial and graphical representations. Beyond the play schools, when the kids are into their pre teen stage, there is still need to learn. This learning will no more be about the alphabets and rhymes.

Edutainment as the new way of learning

At the post play school years, children are required to be taught the importance of healthy communication and etiquette skills. It is at this stage that their interests and hobbies can be identified. Since every kid has a different mindset, taking personal care and giving space to grow is the key. Edutainment is the new way of learning in the 21st century, where learning is provided through entertainment. Making funkey monkeys out of the kids is not only charming but also gives them a space where their mind is more receptive.

Bringing kids under a common cause

In an environment, where kids come in contact with others of their age group, and work together towards common goal, is the essence of edutainment. By creating an environment of such kind, children can be made to learn a lot of things, although these might not be necessarily related with studies. In a way, it is about polishing the extracurricular activities and making them learn various things from a young age. As a result of such endeavour, cooking classes for kids are being started in various institutions, where edutainment is stressed upon. People want their kids to learn the basics of cooking and interested children can enrol for the cooking classes for kids, where they get together to prepare a dish, as simple as a cake, under the guidance of an expert. Even modern dance classes are found to be organised in such sessions.

Bringing together a number of kids under the same roof or in a particular occasion can be a sportive affair. By being in contact with other, etiquette skills can be brushed and this is being done by organizing indoor or outdoor birthday parties. Sometimes, children are encouraged to covert the area into balloons party place by blowing balloons and putting them in different arrangements.

There are various ways in which edutainment can be done. It is about striking a few cords of creativity and ideas to help children run will have a free flow. People are nowadays organizing such events in their communities by opening up kids’ centres or also calling for outdoor birthday parties, where a number of children come together to do something creative. In such occasions also, classes on dances and other subjects can be organised, giving a fresh look into the learning process.

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Seven Key Strategies for Parental Involvement in a Child’s Musical Education

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Parental involvement in a child’s musical education is more important than before.

Usually, the age when children normally begin learning musical instruments is the age when they need lots of encouragement and approval. Parental involvement can help foster their children’s growth and at the same time see rapid results.

Read further for the seven key ways you can be involved in your child’s progress:

1. Be supportive of their choice of musical instrument.

OK, you’ve never been very fond of loud noise, so it might be a little uncomfortable when your child tells you he wants to play the trumpet. However, realize that your child’s choice of musical instrument reflects his interests. Whether he chooses a loud or soft instrument, your child is still showing a desire to express himself through music. If he decides he wants to sound really good on, say, drums, this goal will motivate him to spend significant amounts of time practicing, rather than being bored or restless.

2. Help them set a consistent daily practice time.

Consistency is key. For beginners, I recommend practicing 30 minutes a day. But 30 minutes all at once may seem like forever! So, work with your child to incorporate practice time into their schedule. And remember, it doesn’t need to be 30 minutes consecutively. Does your child have 10 free minutes between breakfast and having to catch the school bus? Set aside those 10 minutes for practice time. What about 10 more minutes as soon as she gets home? The last 10 minutes can in the evening, either before or after homework. Make sure that you are aware of the practice schedule, and gently remind your child when it is time to practice.

3. Encourage them to perform for you several times a week.

During elementary and middle school, children are still at an age where they seek your approval and want to make you happy. So, let them do that! How about asking them to hold a concert for you once or twice a week? Tell them they can decide what songs they want to play, and then set up an area in your family room where they can give the concert. If there are older siblings, ask them to be present as well. After the concert, make sure to tell your child specific things you enjoyed about their performance.

4. Take them to different types of concerts and musical theater events.

Ever since I can remember, my mom has played recordings of traditional Chinese music in the house. This constant exposure to music at an early age helped me to gain an awareness and appreciation for quality music. If music is a constant in your home environment, then your child will sub-consciously absorb its positive influence. By exposing your child to recordings and performances, your child will begin to develop a natural ear for what good music can sound like. Many schools and local theaters have performances throughout the year. Great opportunities abound, so make sure to take advantage of them.

5. Praise them for every accomplishment.

Praise must be genuine. If it is false or is merely masking criticism, your child will pick up on it. No matter what level your child is at, there will be something positive to praise. Whether it is learning a new note or a new song, be proud of your child for that. Praise them in front of their siblings or friends. They will remember your positive words, and it will serve to motivate them in an invaluable way.

6. Select a teacher who is compatible with your child’s personality

Since band directors have on average thirty to forty students to instruct during any given class, it’s very hard to address each child’s individual needs. If you decide to seek outside help by inviting a private teacher to work with your child, keep in mind that the teacher’s personality is as equally important as his/her background and accomplishments. If your child feels like he can trust his teacher, he will be more inspired to practice outside of lessons, and you will notice much quicker progress.

7. Reward your child.

In addition to verbal praise, give your child tangible rewards. For example, when she has achieved a personal goal, take her out for ice cream, her favorite movie, or a day at the zoo. Or perhaps reward her with a CD from her favorite flutist.

If you follow these seven key strategies for involvement in your child’s musical education, you will notice significant improvement in your child’s progress.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vivien_L_Li