Active Learning for kids who don't sit still

There are times our kids just don't sit still. This could be from just being in the house too long to ADHD.  For a homeschooling parent, or any parent this can be so very aggravating. Concerns that they aren't learning enough or that the learning of things they need to learn isn't happening. Just feeling like you're out of control of the situation. Here are some ideas for making learning a little more active which can help continue educating with a child's need to bounce and be active.

The fact is that sometimes adding movement, much like adding music can help train the brain in the subject more then memorization.

Hopscotch Learning

Hopscotch learning is adaptable to any subject or learning level. It's really quite easy. Draw the hopscotch board outside and fill the boxes with what your child is learning. Young kids the traditional numbers and letters then upgrade to rhyming words,  compound sounds, math symbols, # places etc.  Math problems can be given with the child jumping to the answer for example or they have to rhythm the words to jump to the next. Jumping from word to word to make or complete a sentence, science facts or even states and capitals. Use cards for the words to be able to switch them out during the same session.

Word Searches

This is not the traditional word search. More like a word search meets treasure hunt. In this one we put the answers on post it notes around the house. Once answered the kids need to find the words be they on the fridge, front door, book shelf or mirror. Again this can be used at any age or learning level. Find the ABC's or numbers in order. Answer science questions or solve math problems and find the answers around the house. Learn nouns by putting the name of items in the house on the notes and notes on those items.

Musical Memory

We have all sung the songs as little kids. The ABC's or Monkey's on the bed. All fun to learn and to do the movements to.  There is a reason generation after generation have learned these songs. Our brains absorb more with the musical elements and movements.  It's a well know study technique. Don't forget to sing with your kids. They can learn the alphabets, onamonapias , numbers, counting anything!

Physical Memory

Much like musical memory one replaces the music with movement. With each bounce on a trampoline or with a jump rope a number or letter is said or counting by 2's, 3's and so on.  Punch balloons, hopping on one foot, clapping or each ball caught. They all work.

Drawing

Why do we use work sheets, coloring pages and arts and crafts? Because they all help cement thoughts in our brains. Drawing pictures next to their words, making pictures to go with sentences written. Drawing math charts or scientific observations can all help firm up teachings in a child's mind while letting their creative side flow.

Scent learning, touch,

When learning foods, spices, plants, even soils, scents can be very important as can touch. Sometimes people need something more tangible then a group of words to learn. Have you ever smelt something and a memory came flooding back. Same theory just in a more everyday usage. Touching something soft, hard, rough or soft can set what those describing words are. As learning grows so can the sensory learning. Smell the salt of the beach, the earth of the garden even the honey as we learn about the life of bees. The scents complete the thoughts as a whole. If you have been on some of the rides and in the theaters of Disney you have smelt the orange fields.

Cooking

This is a win/win. Not only do the kids learn life skills 101 but they learn almost all subjects while cooking. Reading, food groups and nutrition, chemical reactions, measurements, tastes, geography, social studies and history.  Cooking is an all inclusive way to learn. From reading the recipe and or exerts of books, to the final cutting up into serving sizes there are a ton of lessons to learn just in letting them help make lunch for themselves.

These are just a couple of more physical ways of learning. We all know not all kids learn the same way. Not to mention sometimes we all just need a change of pace and a little fun!

Follow me on Pinterest, Google and Facebook or the blog!

To become an Avon Rep please click here for more info

and to sign up.

There are links in my blog posts. Some lead to affiliate pages or my Avon shop. Monies/rewards may be earned off any purchases or sign ups done through these links