WAYS CHILDREN LEARN

They learn best when the activities match their learning styles.

Ways of learning
We learn most of our information through what we

• Hear-let them listen to stories told with enthusiasm
  Include sound effects, music, rhythmic repetition and variety in intensity and pitch.
  
  
• See-use visuals to reinforce the learning
  Use charts, diagrams, photos, posters and real objects. Quick sketching, video, mime and hand and body movements help to create interest and aid understanding and memory
  
  
• Say-give children opportunities to tell what they have discovered
  Interviews, questioning, impromptu drama, mock telephone conversations, small group sharing, 'tell the person next to you what you think this means/how you feel about that.' Allow the opportunity to tell God as well as others.
  
  
• Do-give opportunity for children to be actively involved
  Sound effects, actions and repeating speech involve them in a story. Murals, posters, dioramas and making something connected with the theme help them engage and process it afterwards. Carefully directed individual or group research involving the Bible or something about their own or somebody else's life keeps them interested.

Include in all these ways of learning in your program to help the children remember more. It is also useful to note that as children grow older, they benefit from different approaches to learning.

Children & their Characteristics

5-7s learn largely through their feelings and surroundings, so . . . .give them experience and activities based on what you want to teach

7-9s learn well through processing facts, so. . . . device research and discovery activities for them

10-12s mostly learn best in relationship with their peers, so . . . . involve them in group work and discussion

Article taken from
Source: "The very essential must-have really useful Guide to Working with Children",
Scripture Union Australia 2003,
Reprinted 2004, 2007, 2008, page 13