You will be amazed! Week 3 Summer Studio

"I wish they came with an instruction booklet"!
Haven't you thought that from time to time?
I know I have!

It's wonderful how different all of us humans are but at times it also creates quite a bit of confusion and frustration.

One of the best gifts a parent can give their child is understanding.

Understanding what makes their child tick...

Understanding how their child learns best...

And then using that understanding to help your child traverse this world.

All children learn differently but there are some key things to look for to help you learn to identify your little guy/girl's style:
1.  Visual Learners
2.  Auditory Learners
3.  Kinesthetic Learners
Here's a great explanation:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles

I believe we must be careful not to lump children into just one learning style because quite often, we might be a little of each, but maybe one sticks out a touch more than the others.

I'm a huge fan of Howard Gardener's theory of multiple intelligences...
Here's something to think about:
Gardner argues that there is a wide range of cognitive abilities, but that there are only very weak correlations among them. For example, the theory postulates that a child who learns to multiply easily is not necessarily more intelligent than a child who has more difficulty on this task. The child who takes more time to master multiplication may best learn to multiply through a different approach, may excel in a field outside mathematics, or may be looking at and understanding the multiplication process at a fundamentally deeper level. Such a fundamental understanding can result in slowness and can hide a mathematical intelligence potentially higher than that of a child who quickly memorizes the multiplication table despite possessing a shallower understanding of the process of multiplication.

And the 7 intellegences with one extra:

Logical-mathematical

Spatial

Linguistic

Bodily-kinesthetic

Musical

Interpersonal

Intrapersonal

**Naturalistic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences

Now, how do you use this information?

When coming to Wonder Studio, it's quite simple.

Follow the lead of your child.

Easier said than done.

Sometimes, it is so hard to not "push" your child to try all the different experiences.  And sometimes they seem to flit about from one thing to another, not really finding that "thing" that really grabs them.

But, I believe that it's all important.

If they sit at the Water table half in play and half in observation, this is of enormous value. 
Children learn so much by observing.  It gives them fuel for the next time or when they go home to try something new.

What doesn't help children is Doing it for them.

Now, you will see me from time to time showing a child how something works, and even ideas for how to get started...but then I back off.

The backing off is critical.  The child needs time to process his/her thoughts and to be creative.

Rushing them around from experience to experience without giving them the opportunity to process is almost a complete learning waste.

Let them lead.  Wonder Studio is one of the only places I know where this is really possible.
Keep them safe and take care of the materials BUT... give them an opportunity to show you what they understand.
Don't rush in to show them what you know...We all know you know A LOT!!
But...most children know A LOT too.
You will be amazed.