Creating an effective Learning environment at home

1. Creating an effective Learning environment at home December 6, 2013 Aurelio M. Tamayo Curriculum Specialist Corpus Christi ISD

2. Humans are Creatures of Habit • Everyone develops habits; some great, some not so great. • Habits become routine, and many times are hard to break. • A habit, though, can be one that is productive, and if done correctly, can become one that will ensure success.

3. Developing Correct Study Habits • In order for studying to become a productive habit, it has to be practiced routinely and consistently. • Parents Must Monitor Students’ Habits!!

4. Establishing Consistency • On a daily basis, ask your student about his/her day at school, and have him relate to you some of the things he/she learned. • We all learn 100% of what we teach someone else! The more details he gives you , the more you know he learned.

5. Establishing Consistency • Ask your child what subjects or topics he needs to study for, and when his next test will be. • Then find out what is his plan for studying for these topics. • Once you know what the plan of action for your child is, follow up and question whether he indeed completed the task. • Don’t let up on the monitoring! When a child knows he is going to be monitored, he is more likely to complete a task.

6. Establishing Consistency • If at all possible, study with your child, or make a “study time” at home. While he studies, you read or do some work at home. • Study time should be the same, or about the same everyday. Preferably, that time should be as soon after school as possible. Procrastination leads to deficiency. • Just like students can get used to doing something, they can also get used to “not doing.”

7. Establishing Consistency • It is OK to take breaks during study times. Ensure that breaks are for short periods of times. You can use the breaks to have your child relate to you what he has studied and learned so far. • Ensure that the study area is quiet, and is well lit. The less distractions, the better.

8. Learning vs. Memorizing • There is a difference between learning and memorizing. • Learning means being able to recall and actually use and/or explain information. • Memorizing simply means recalling something that was seen, read, heard , etc.

9. Learning vs. Memorizing • It is OK to memorize things: • Multiplication tables • Dates • Names • Locations • Many more things have to be learned: • How does the water cycle work? • What happened when Columbus arrived at the New World?

10. Practice What You Learn • Learning makes a person smarter, more productive, independent and builds self-esteem. • It is important to understand that the reason you want to learn so many things is that everything learned creates “wrinkles” in the brain. The more information we take in and apply, the better we are able to process information and complete tasks.

11. Ensure Success for Life! • Encourage your children to be long-life learners. • Learn with them and share ideas. • Let them know you care! “When we build our minds, we build character, motivation, satisfaction and happiness.”

12. Information • Aurelio Tamayo • (361) 878-2680 x 44879 • aurelio.tamayo@ccisd.us