Get learning back on track with new term learning tips
So, it's the start of a new year and a new school term. It’s no surprise that learning has slipped down the agenda over the holidays - but now we’re all feeling refreshed, it’s a good time to get right back on track where learning is concerned.
With that in mind, here are our tips to get you and your learners motivated - and reaping the rewards that are to be gained from maths practice with Komodo!
Most importantly, set aside a regular time to use Komodo and build that into your family schedule. Make a commitment to sticking to that time slot as far as possible - in the same way as other scheduled activities. Use the email reminders inside Komodo if it helps you stay on plan.
Little and often beats binge learning - regular use, say four or five times per week for around 15 minutes is the ideal way to use Komodo. The number of lessons in this time may vary depending on the topic.
Find a quiet place - as a general rule, it’s best to use Komodo in a quiet room without distraction from other children, sounds and screens. Providing a pleasant and comfortable place to learn can also help with motivation.
Be creative with your time - if after school activities eat up weekday evenings, could you fit in a session before school? Also, many families incorporate Komodo sessions into their after school childcare arrangements using the messaging to keep in touch and encourage.
Use the reward system - Komodo rewards are usually popular with learners and a great way to maintain motivation levels particularly once the first flurry of enthusiasm has passed. Keep them stocked up and delivered on time. Smaller rewards that are easy to provide work well. Here are some ideas to inspire.
One-to-one support works well at times when it gets tough - learning isn’t always a smooth journey and there will usually be moments of frustration. If you sense this is happening try sitting beside your child and doing a lesson or two together. The extra attention can have a strong motivational effect. Allow them to make mistakes and guide them patiently towards the answer if they need it.
Keep the encouragement flowing - sometimes the best way to motivate is by showing an interest and giving praise. Remember that even if you’re still at work, you can send a Komodo message back to your learner by replying to their report email.
Re-engage with and motivate your child’s supporters - the new year is the ideal time to check they are happy to take on the role of supporter, understand how they can help and the difference their support can make. Perhaps you can think of additional supporters who’d be keen to play their part?
Finally, revisit the Komodo blog - and keep in touch via social media (links are at the bottom of this page). You’ll find lots of resources to help you support your child’s learning (maths and general primary education). At the start of a new school term, I always find it useful to take a look at “7 Tips for Boosting Concentration” for instance.
You can be confident that the benefits to your child of mastering primary maths far outweigh the extra effort required, but naturally children rarely see it this way.
Your encouragement and involvement are the secret sauce that makes learning at home work - so well done so far and keep up the good work through the new year.
And just to give you a little insight, here is what we all achieved in 2018. So congratulations, and I am really excited to see what 2019 brings
I'm Ged, Co-founder of Komodo, ex-maths teacher and dad. If you have any questions please get in touch.
About Komodo – Komodo is a fun and effective way to boost primary maths and literacy skills. Designed for 5 to 11-year-olds to use at home, Komodo uses a little and often approach to learning that fits around busy family life. Komodo helps users develop fluency and confidence in maths and English – without keeping them at the screen for long.
