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Have you ever noticed your child struggling to understand a new concept in school? Perhaps they seem to grasp information quickly but forget it just as fast.
For our children to thrive in their academic journey, a crucial factor for success is their ability to effectively grasp and retain new information. This is what educators often refer to as “grasping power.”
So, what exactly is grasping power, and why is it so important? Simply put, grasping power refers to a child’s ability to understand, retain, and apply new information. It’s the foundation for building knowledge, developing critical thinking skills, and excelling in academics.
A strong grasping power allows them to not only understand the concept of dividing a whole into parts but also apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems.
In the following sections, let’s explore 9 practical tips, backed by science and psychology, that you can incorporate at home to help them become confident, successful learners.
Our brains learn best by doing, not just passively absorbing information. Motivate your child to participate actively in their learning. This can involve asking questions in class, participating in discussions, taking notes, and completing hands-on activities.
Best CBSE schools incorporate these strategies into their curriculum, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment that fosters a deeper understanding of concepts.
For example, if they are learning about plant life in science, encourage them to plant their own seeds and observe the growth process firsthand. This active engagement helps them connect with the information on a deeper level, leading to better understanding and retention.
The human brain can only process so much information at once. Large chunks of complex information can feel overwhelming and lead to confusion.
Here’s where “chunking” comes in. This strategy involves breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Think of it like packing a backpack: you wouldn’t try to stuff everything in at once! By organising information into smaller, manageable chunks, your child can process and retain it more effectively.
Don’t forget the power of storytelling! Reading stories together allows children to explore new concepts and vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. Discuss the characters and plot, and make sure you answer all of their questions.
Sometimes, memorising facts and information can feel like a chore. This is where mnemonic devices can come in handy! These are memory aids that help us encode and recall information more easily.
There are many different mnemonic devices you can introduce to your child. For example, the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division from left to right, Addition and Subtraction from left to right) can help with the order of operations in maths.
Inspire your child to create their own mnemonic devices as well. This personalisation helps them connect with the information in a meaningful way, leading to better recall.
A well-rested brain is a learning machine! During sleep, the brain consolidates memories and processes information learned throughout the day. When children are sleep-deprived, their ability to focus, concentrate, and retain information suffers.
Establish a consistent sleep schedule for your child and ensure they get enough sleep each night based on their age. Here’s a general guideline:
Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
School-aged children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
Teenagers (13-18 years): 8-10 hours
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also improve sleep quality. This might include taking a warm bath, reading a story together, or dimming the lights.
Just like a car needs fuel to run, our brains need proper nourishment to function optimally. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients plays a vital role in cognitive development and memory function.
Make sure your child’s diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These foods provide the brain with the building blocks it needs to learn and retain information effectively.
Consider consulting a nutritionist or exploring the meal plans offered by some of the best schools in Pune. These schools understand the importance of nutrition for a child’s cognitive development and often have well-balanced meal plans in place.
Physical activity isn’t just about physical health; it also benefits cognitive function. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which promotes the growth of new brain cells and strengthens existing neural connections.
Encourage your child to participate in regular physical activity, whether it’s playing outdoors, joining a sports team, or simply going for a daily walk. Even short bursts of exercise throughout the day can make a difference.
In today’s technology-driven world, distractions are abound. When your child is studying or completing homework, create a focused learning environment to minimise disruptions.
This might involve finding a quiet space in the house, turning off the TV or electronic devices, and setting a time limit for checking social media.
Learning is a journey, not a destination. There will be times when your child struggles or makes mistakes. This is a natural part of the learning process!
Instead of getting discouraged, celebrate their progress and effort. Focus on what they have learned and encourage them to keep trying. Help them view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
Every child learns and remembers differently. The key is to find the strategies that work best for your child and their unique learning style. Be patient, celebrate their victories (big and small!), and most importantly, foster a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. This is the secret of their success.