Effective Teaching Strategies

How to Extend Learning in Everyday Life with Modeling

How to Extend Learning in Everyday Life with Modeling. This is part of a series: How to extend Learning as Part of Everyday Life Part 10. Effective Teaching Strategies: Modeling. In this article I am going to teach you how to extend learning as part of everyday life by using modeling.

Effective Teaching Strategies: Modeling

How to Extend Learning as Part of Everyday Life

When it comes to bringing learning into the everyday moments of life, there is a simple three step formula I like to keep in mind. This is called the Powerful Interactions Framework.

The three parts to the formula are 1- be present, 2- connect, and 3- extend learning. This third step includes learning and implementing teaching strategies that build on the knowledge your child already has.

It is my goal to help teach you these effective teaching strategies so you can confidently extend learning when those key moments come up in your life. 

Effective Teaching Strategies: Modeling

Definition: Showing your child a desirable way of behaving, speaking, and solving problems.

Promote positive social skills and self-regulation. In my mind, modeling is the epitome of parenting. Becoming the person who you would like to be, and your child sees this and becomes more like that. Children become like the examples they see in their life. 

Modeling can also be useful for teaching academic skills.

  • Model language- Repeating and extending your child’s verbal responses, describing your own and your child’s actions, and using advanced vocabulary.
  • Model math- Talk about math and math concepts, even when it seems that they would be over your child’s head. Children are picking these things up, and will be able to pull upon them when they are developmentally ready to understand. 
  • Model science- Make science a part of your everyday life. Ask questions- out loud- make hypotheses, and find solutions. Point out natural phenomena all around you. 
  • Model physical development and growth- Fuel your own body with a healthy, balanced diet. Talk about nutrition and your thought process when buying and preparing food. Stay active and include your child in those activities. 
  • Model creativity- Be willing to try new things and look for solutions to problems. Have grace for yourself when you mess up. Find ways to express your own creativity. 
  • Model safety- Practice healthy, safe living. Develop healthy routines for yourself and your family. 

How to Extend Learning in Everyday Life with Modeling

What this looks like

The core of parenting is becoming the person you would like to be. Your child will pick up the new healthy habits you cultivate as well as the process of self-improvement. Model with your behavior and with your words. This looks like verbalizing your thought processes and actions. 

  • “My body feels tired right now. I can tell I need some food to get some more energy. I am going to look for a snack that has lots of nutrients.”
  • “I noticed that our neighbor is having a hard time this week. Let’s make some cookies and take them over to her. Would you like to help?”
  • “Milk? You would like some milk? Yes. We can say ‘Can I have some more milk please?’ Let’s get you some.”
  • “Let’s sit on these circle stools. You can tell they are a circle because they are round, with no edges.”
  • “I don’t want to burn my hands, so I am using hot pads to get this pan out of the oven. I want you to stay safe too, so please stand right by the door.”

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