Home Ambient Learning: One of the latest buzzwords that keeps coming up is ‘ambient learning’. But what does it actually mean? Many of us are happy that our children are back at school, but there’s still the worry that home learning may return. Or have the past two years shown you that home learning is the best choice for you and your child?Possibly you’d like some tips for summer learning? Either way, adopting ambient learning approaches at home can really improve the quality of your child’s learning. Want to find out how? Read on and get ready to embrace your inner teacher!
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What is ambient learning?
The term ambient learning can mean a number of factors. In a school, it is about makingthe most of every space so that the students are always learning. Having inspirational corridor displays at the student’s eye level or displaying a graffiti periodic table on an exterior wall! It can mean writing names of objects on the objects themselves to help foreign students to translate. It’s about immersing children in a learning environment where they don’t actually think they are learning! And because of that, they are really being immersed into their education – smart, huh?
How I can use ambient learning in home schooling?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a single parent or married, using ambient learning at home will help boost your child’s education. Whether you want to give your little one an educational boost, make homework more fun, or for them to enjoy full-time home learning, ambient learning is the answer. But how do you do it?!
1, Teach vocabulary through your surroundings
If your child is struggling with language and spelling, surround your home with words, words, and some more words! Talk to your child’s teacher and find out what their keywords are for that year. For a younger child, have a word with a drawing of the thing next to it, such as ‘cat’ with a drawing of a cute cat. Stick these words around the home where they often go such as on the wall next to where they sit at mealtimes, in the corridor on their way out of the house, or even when they are sat on the toilet (as long as it doesn’t distract them from the task at hand)!
2, Create a stimulating learning environment
You may have put aside an entire room for your child’s home learning or have to make do with the kitchen table. No matter where your designated “classroom” is, you can create a fun, stimulating environment where your child loves to be!
Make an inspiring environment by choosing a children’s wallpaper. From safari animals, fairy forests or astronauts driving rockets into space, choose a kids mural showing one of their interests. Not only nice to look at but an animal-crammed muralis a fantastic way to teach animal vocabulary. Or use is as a math’s resource. Ask them to count the number of lions or what the difference is between the number of giraffes and zebras.
As well as this, choosing a certain color for a kid’s wallpaper can create the perfect mood. There have been many studies about color stimulation with babies and children. Install energy into your child by choosing oranges, yellows and reds. To keep them calm, indigo, blue and violet tones will soothe them.
3, Encourage a love for reading with a reading corner
As part of an ambient learning environment, create a space where your child can escape with a good book! By creating a cozy, fun reading corner, you will motivate your child to learn through books.
Reading has so many benefits. I was previously a teacher and can’t reiterate enough how reading isn’t just about “reading”! As well as word-reading skills and speed, your child’s reading comprehension, spelling and imaginative writing will flourish as well.
Create a cozy reading corner with a theme that your child will love! Ifthey adore fairies, create leaves to hang from the ceiling and choose a piece of fake grass to sit on. Add a comfy bean bag and wall art such as a sign saying “Welcome to Izzy’s Fairyland”. Just take a look at Pinterest for some ideas!
Author’s bio
Written by Amy Hillary. Previously anElementary School Teacher, Amy is now a Freelance Writer as well as the Content Creator at Wallsauce.com. Her work consists of creating website content, writing blogs as well as product descriptions. Her most popular topic focuses are interior design, lifestyle, education and retail.