Teachers and after-school coordinators have found great results by implementing Mango Math into their group learning exercises, but parents and home schoolers can find benefits by planning an after-school study period to keep kids focused and engaged. Here are 5 fun tips for healthy study time at home.
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Study Time[/caption]
1. Make It Fun!
No younger kid likes hitting the books after a full day of school. Plus, they'll have all of high school and college to take things seriously, so keep it light and entertaining as much as possible. Educational video games, movies, board games, and manipulatives will mix things up and keep their focus. But don't be afraid to experiment with a lot of different games or activities - not every kid will latch onto the same things. Plan a visit to a teacher's resource store or educational supply store to try out a few different activities!
2. Break Things Up
A focused, intensive daily period of after-school study could do some good, but you probably know there's a slim chance of keeping everyone attentive and on the same page every single night. Leave the kids alone with a project or problem to solve while you focus on making dinner or another chore, then circle back afterwards to see their progress and offer feedback. The more it seems like a group activity, the more invested kids will be in seeing the results.
3. Get a Teacher Involved
It's been a while since you took 4th grade math. Open a dialogue with your child's teacher and ask for their feedback or to help you review the material yourself. Ask for supplementary study material or activities they'd recommend you try on the side.
4. Develop Routines
If you encourage strong study habits from a young age, your young student will embrace that for years to come. A dedicated study or learning area of the house should be established that can be used for reading, educational games, and studying will help younger students focus in ways they might not if the study area is also the video game room. As much as you can, try to make homework/study time the same time every day.
5. Experiment
Every kid is different and everyone learns differently. Some students learn by reading; others learn visually or by listening. Some people learn by applying their work to a problem or project. A manipulative like Mango Math takes abstract concepts like formulas and theories and applies them to tangible, tactile activities.
For more information about the Mango Math curriculum or to order your own Mango Math crate, contact us here or visit the store today!
