My favorite subject, hands-down, has always been english or what we now refer as language arts. From reading the various books to creative writing, it all feed my soul. So when the times comes to covering it at home, a little electricity runs through me. I wonder to myself who will their favorite character be, or will they guess what will happen next? These questions swirl through my mind. But simply reading aloud or having them do so on there own sometimes doesn’t seem to be enough. And if you have children that struggle in this area it can bring dread. So how can you get the most out of this subject, even when your kids (or you) aren’t a fan.
Ready, Set, Action
Books we read as children can become apart of us in away that is different from anything else. But sitting hours on end reading may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Though I have to admit that it is my happy place. We want our children to love to read, but how to you teach that. Well, why not make reading come to life.
This can be done as you’re going through a book or once it is completed. Chose a chapter or section of your reading and have them perform it. For the younger children in your home you can direct them to create puppets. Then allow them to retell their favorite part of the stories to their siblings.
For the older children in your home you can direct them to become one of the characters in the book. Giving them time to gather props and costumes. This can even provide them with a written opportunity. Creating a mini script they can read from along with casting your siblings as other characters. You can even go as far as asking them to create a performance on what they think will happen next before they’ve read. Children who are kinesthetic learner will benefit greatly bring these stories to life. And we all know the importance of our children learning to be strong speakers. But for they it will just seem like their playing.
http://www.howtoteachyourchildrenshakespeare.com/
Just imagine
As we read through a story we create pictures in our heads, from what the characters look like to where they find themselves. So why don’t we share them. As my girls and I are going through the Anne of Green Gables series we are all hearing the same words, but are we all picturing the same thing?
Whether you’re still reading through illustrated books or if you’ve moved to novels this can work at all stages. Draw a portrait of a character, or a landscape. Use water colors or chalk your options are limitless. And an exciting bonus is that you’ll have open up a conversation about art.
Don’t be afraid to break away from their literature to look up different art styles. The fun is in the creating as much as it is in the reading.
Let’s Play
Our family is a competitive one. Everyone wants to win, even if it’s just for bragging rights. So why not make a game out of their reading. Think book report meets game show. The fun of making their own game and playing it with the family should have all of us running to gather art supplies. Questions about character traits, plot lines, and foreshadowing may not be fun to study, yet when deciding game questions it will feel more like a scavenger hunt.
From Jeopardy style trivia, to flash cards or board games your children can make it into whatever they want. Scheduling time to create the look of the game, the rules, and of course the questions can take as long as a few days or weeks depending on your child’s interest and age. And introducing it on friday family game night can feel like a celebration.
Use Their Strength to Their Benefits
Your children’s strengths, talents, and hobbies can be used as your inspiration when introducing new topics or breathing life into their day to day routine. The joy in this journey is finding out what works by thinking outside the box. And if you’re ever stuck go straight to the source. Our children are naturals when it comes to fun, so let them think up what can bring language arts alive for them.
https://www.ladydspeaks.com/getting-to-know-the-great-composers/