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OCTOBER 29, 2020 | The Jewish Home
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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Parenting Pearls
A Rich Learning Environment By Sara Rayvych, MSEd
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f you’ve read some of my previous articles, you may have noticed that certain school subjects haven’t really been discussed in-depth: science, history and geography, among others. I will reassure you that I’ve taught these subjects both in the classroom and to my children in our homeschool. The reason for this omission is two-fold. The first reason I haven’t stressed these subjects is simply because these articles have been mostly geared towards the current pandemic and the omitted subjects are not, in my humble opinion, the first priority for children that are struggling. They’re not subjects that build upon each other to the same degree as math and reading. As an example, if you don’t learn about Japan this year, it doesn’t mean you can’t study India next year. But there is also another reason that I haven’t stressed these subjects. While I will often teach these subjects formally, I often rely on an informal teaching method that I refer to as a “rich learning environment.” What does it mean to make your home into a rich learning environment? Making your home into a rich learning environment means you’ve created an environment where learning occurs naturally and nearly effortlessly. Rather than formally teaching a topic, you provide tools and opportunities so your child can learn the same material but in a non-stressful and enjoyable manner. It does involve a little thought to set up but it’s easier than it sounds.
Formal vs. informal learning This could also be thought of as
“traditional” vs. “nontraditional” teaching methods. It’s rather unfortunate that we have such a narrow definition of education. Our initial assumptions are that only textbooks and workbooks produce real learning. Nothing could be further from the truth! Textbooks and workbooks definitely have their place in teaching but don’t limit yourself; some of the best learning happens outside the traditional, standard framework. Last year, Class 2F of Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam ended the year with an excellent example of a less traditional teaching method when they received a very special lesson. Their morah, Miss Zytman, visited (with appropriate social distancing) every student so that each girl could personally sign the Declaration of Independence. Yes, each child personally signed the document with her own signature as part of this lesson. By the next year, those girls may or may not remember the pages of their textbook but they will
son on the colonies was taught using a trip to a colonial era town, through acting in a play, or as part of a fascinating, historical fiction novel. There are so many out-of-the-box options available. As an example, we have enjoyed teaching about maps using the maps provided by the zoo, amusement park, or other attractions. They’re so much more interesting than regular maps and kids can understand why reading a map is important; it’s the best way to find the animals or attractions you want to see.
Bringing the lessons home I understand that parents have limited time and may find it daunting to plan such involved and creative lessons. The exciting part is you can
Children tend to better remember learning that is active, real, and interesting.
certainly remember this particular lesson. I think most of us can fondly recall a special or unique lesson from our childhood. Children tend to better remember learning that is active, real, and interesting. There’s only so much a child will retain when reading a chapter on the colonies. Alternatively, a child will remember much more if the same les-
make your home into a “rich learning environment” without much time or stress. There are many options available for all learning styles and for all income levels. Pick what works and make it happen. Books/magazines: You guessed it; teachers can never get enough of books. I try to keep our family library loaded with books on topics I want
them to study. The books range from biographies and historical fiction to science, math, and other topics. I have some interesting and easy-toread textbooks thrown into the group. When planning next year’s curriculum, I include some enjoyable books (at various reading levels) for the kids to enjoy. For example, to supplement science and history, this year’s shopping list includes interesting books on colonial times and Lewis and Clark’s adventures along with kid-friendly biographies on Albert Einstein, Galileo, and Isaac Newton. I made sure to purchase series of books that I know my kids like so they’ll actually read them. I buy books that I know the kids will enjoy since I want these to be books they’ll pick up and read during their free time. The list also includes some educational coloring books. Always check books before giving them to your children to ensure content meets your standards. Some suggested series are The Magic Tree House, DK Readers, the “Who was….” series, and the “If you lived in…” series. I designate some of our “tuition” towards our home library but there are plenty of lower budget options including library books, digital books (purchased and library), and used books. Most of the books in the series I suggested are under $5; some were under $3. Trips: Trips are amazing but hard to do currently; I’m including them in this article anyway. Hopefully some nature preserves will open up soon. We often do chol hamoed or family
