Get Learning Back on Track!
Life is hectic - what else is new? With homework to be done, after-school activities and a never-ending whirl of kids' birthday parties, it’s no surprise to us as parents that Komodo time can slip down the agenda. But there's never a bad time to reintroduce the important little and often learning that Komodo uses to support schoolwork back into the routine.
Here are our tips to get you and your learners motivated - and reap the rewards that you get from math 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, or 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 (math and general elementary education) - 7 Tips for Boosting Concentration is a good place to start.
You can be confident that the benefits to your child of mastering math 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!
I'm Ged, co-founder of Komodo, ex-mathematics teacher and dad. If you have any questions please get in touch.
About Komodo - Komodo is a fun and effective way to boost K-5 math and English skills. Designed for 5 to 11-year-olds to use at home, Komodo uses a 'little and often' approach to learning (15 minutes, three to five times per week) that fits into busy family routines. Komodo helps users develop fluency and confidence in math and language arts - without keeping them at the screen for long.
