We always hear how repetition is important for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and big kids. You hear it about their schedule and their day. You even hear it in classes you attend and maybe start to think it's the teacher making excuses to repeat an activity!
When you experience something for the first time you don't know what to expect so your brain soaks up all the input it's receiving. It creates a memory of the event. The next time you experience something similar your brain builds on that memory. At the same time your body also learns how to respond in that situation.
One of the reasons why First Roots Music Studio offers classes for a set number of weeks is because regular attendance builds on the repetition of merely showing up to class. When you say the words, "Let's get ready for music class!", it's almost meaningless the first time. WHAT IS MUSIC CLASS? As you attend each week, you will start to see your child understand and connect. Depending on their age, they might even recall activities or tell you what they remember. This is all part of repetition!
Songs are another way we build repetition. It's funny how just as we get sick of hearing a song, a child starts singing and dancing along! Playing the music from class is a good way to help build on that repetition. In class we do repeat songs so the children can become familiar with them.
We encourage dialogue between you and your child. For babies, this might mean you monologue about their day. You can pause in your conversation and wait for their response. You might be surprised when they answer you! For toddlers and preschoolers, that are creating conversations, model asking and answering questions. "Would you like pancakes? Yes, I would like pancakes!" In class I give the children opportunities to be creative and use their voice. That joy they have when we use their idea is priceless!
Does your child grab the same book off the shelf over and over? Maybe they like the way the words flow? Maybe they like the characters? We all have that ONE book that we have read cover to cover 10 times in a row every day for a week, Each time the book is repeated, you might see them anticipating what will happen. Maybe they make the animal sounds or try to use the expressions you do? Reading is a great way to build repetition and routine. It can be a way to transition to nap or bed time. We really enjoy the Reading Rainbow app for the iPad! There is such a huge selection of books that your child might start trying out some new stories. The library is also a great place to explore fre story times and get inspiration for age-appropriate stories.
At home you can build repetition in their day by creating a simple schedule. Walk your child through the steps of getting ready at whatever stage they are at. Assist as needed and encourage independence as they get older. Use songs and rhymes from class or ones you even make up to help create transitions or learning opportunities about their day.
Repetition. We hear it over and over again as our children grow.
What are your child's favorite repetitive activities?
No comments:
Post a Comment