Quick Click: 7 Fun Ways to Learn with Charts
Being able to translate thinking into artistic or print representation is a skill that allows children to apply what they’ve learned, demonstrate understanding, and promote higher thinking. Here are some suggestions for creating charts with your child.
1. Keep it simple: Use simple pictures and just a few words to represent your child's thoughts. Basic drawings to represent words will provide her a pictorial clue when she tries to "read" the chart again.
2. Be literal: Record your child's words as he says them without correction. Doing so reinforces his ideas.
3. Save it: Create a space where your child can read and re-read her chart. Try bulletin boards and easel stands.
4. Make pointers: Offer your child a pointer made out of a chopstick. Invite him to go around the room pointing at, and reading, charts, labels, and any other print he can find.
5. Chart a walk: On a chart, record what your child tells you she saw on a walk, and add simple drawings. Next, cut the sentences apart and glue them to the bottoms of pieces of paper to make a Nature Walk Book. Invite her to illustrate the pages.
6. Make a song chart: Write a song on a chart using large letters and plenty of space between words for easy reading. Invite your child to illustrate the song. Use chopsticks as pointers, and let him take a turn leading you in song.
7. Predict and compare: Before going on a day trip, invite your child to predict what she will see and record the list on a chart. After your visit, chart all the things she saw. Read and compare both charts. Invite her to include illustrations.
--Ellen Booth Church
