Recognize the Signs

       Knowing how to recognize what your child is feeling is a valuable ability when teaching. It is important to notice when your child is overwhelmed, tired, embarrassed, not able to concentrate, rebellious, bored, or ready for harder material.
        It takes time and practice to be able to recognize the signs. Is your child yawning? Is he misbehaving? Is he having trouble focusing? Is he constantly glancing at the TV? Does she have too much energy and can't stay seated? Can she not remember any English words and seems distracted? Does she seem hesitant to answer even if she knows it?

There are lots of little signs that children give that can help us know what they are feeling. If we can interpret the signs correctly, we can also try to come up with a solution that will help.

     For example, what if your 5 year old boy is practicing English with you, but is constantly moving and often looks out the window at the sunny outside?
     Perhaps he is wanting to go outside? Maybe he was hoping to play with a friend at the park. Perhaps he has too much energy and is wanting to run around, jump, and play. So you must decide if today you want to continue studying as you are or if you should do something different. Perhaps you decide to continue to study as you are until the 15 - 30 minute session is over. Maybe you'd say, "If you sit down and concentrate we can be done in 7 minutes. If not we may have to go longer." or maybe you would give him a challenge and say, "Once you can remember three flashcards you can go play." Another option might be to go outside and study. Maybe you could kick a soccer ball back and forth while saying English words. Or you could toss a baseball and have him repeat what you say. Perhaps you decide to teach English numbers by having him jump-rope. Or maybe you go on a walk and try to find object that you know the English words for.
There isn't a right or wrong way to do things. You begin to learn what worked and what didn't. What was helpful and what wasn't. What your child wanted or needed. And when to give him what he wants and when not to. It's a learning process. So next time you teach, begin to notice what your child does. Try to figure out what he needs by how he's acting. And begin experimenting with how to react. Sometimes you give him what he wants and sometimes you don't.

      Learning to recognize the signs in your child can be difficult, but it can also almost be like a game. Being aware of what your child wants can help you figure out a plan that will also get you what you want (for example: for him to learn English).

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