Time After School - A thought to share with parents

 Being a primary teacher, I often encounter with a problem which many students are facing - Forgetfulness. 

Let's discuss about it today.

In schools, it is common to see a child who has forgotten to bring a book to school, or has forgotten to bring smaller items like eraser, pen or pencil. But what if children keep forgetting things? Little children sometimes have difficulty in remembering things. There are some memory exercise that children can do along with their parents to boost memory. 

Giving a child a proper study environment like, a study table and a designated study time will make him or her remember their homework and the things they have to do during that time. Children need a quiet place away from distractions like TV, Mobile Phones etc. 

When you have to give a child instructions , try to to introduce important things separately,  instead of eating them in a long list of things to remember.  start by saying gently, "  I wanted to tell you an important thing",  or a simple "  listen carefully,"  will make a child aware of what you are saying,  and what needs to be done.  remember to praise you child when he or she is not forgetful, and follows instructions well.

Counting the things to be done together,  for making an interesting game of it,  will also encourage children to remember things.  Suppose you have made a shopping list,  and it has five items on it.  You can tell your child to try to remember the things you need to buy.  at the shop,  you can discuss with your child,  and try to remember the items on the shopping list.

 The way the children comprehend things,  and process information should be carefully observed.  Give instructions in an interesting and practical way.  If your child often loses things in his pencil box,  discuss with him what each item in his pencil box is used for,  or give each item a funny name.  This will help him to identify and recollect each item while he is packing his pencil box.  Basically,  practical steps will make the child remember more things. 

If your child forget things that you relay to him  by just your words, let him or her identify objects by using other senses.  If they forget letters or number order, let them run their fingers over the images of the letters and understand their shape.  Making letter for alphabet figures with sand paper for such objects could make the child memorize the letters better. 

Being more creative and practical is the ultimate way to help a child to remember things

If you find this to be helpful or want to add few points more then please comment. 

Idea and written by

Sreyoskar Saha

PRT/Banimandir Railway H.S. School

Siliguri Junction