How can I get my 4 year old to want to learn?
Penelope asked:
He has absolutely no desire to learn his letters and numbers. I’ve gotten him all the books with Elmo and Cookie Monster and cars, trucks and buses. Coloring books, dry erase books, reward stickers. And all I ever ask him to do is ONE page. He won’t. I’ve tried to make it fun with singing and doing all the funny voices he likes and I can’t get him to want to do this. I am a stay at home mom so daycare is not the answer although he does very well in a school environment. He needs to know these things so he can go to school. So how do I get him to want to do his letters and numbers? I’ve even gone as far as telling him that if he doesn’t work on one letter…ONE LETTER then he’s not going outside until he does. I just don’t know what to do!! My oldest was so eager and he’s now a straight A student going into 6th grade. The little one starts whining and says he can’t it’s hard. I don’t understand! Help!
Just sHe will be starting pre-k in the fall…he has a v-smile with a few learning games like Bob the builder and Elmo….but loses interest even in that after a few minutes….sometimes in as little as 3 minutes…but yet he loves to play video games
He has absolutely no desire to learn his letters and numbers. I’ve gotten him all the books with Elmo and Cookie Monster and cars, trucks and buses. Coloring books, dry erase books, reward stickers. And all I ever ask him to do is ONE page. He won’t. I’ve tried to make it fun with singing and doing all the funny voices he likes and I can’t get him to want to do this. I am a stay at home mom so daycare is not the answer although he does very well in a school environment. He needs to know these things so he can go to school. So how do I get him to want to do his letters and numbers? I’ve even gone as far as telling him that if he doesn’t work on one letter…ONE LETTER then he’s not going outside until he does. I just don’t know what to do!! My oldest was so eager and he’s now a straight A student going into 6th grade. The little one starts whining and says he can’t it’s hard. I don’t understand! Help!
Just sHe will be starting pre-k in the fall…he has a v-smile with a few learning games like Bob the builder and Elmo….but loses interest even in that after a few minutes….sometimes in as little as 3 minutes…but yet he loves to play video games
September 17th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
My daughter started learning her alphabet and was one of kid sites that the class give up if preschool.
My dad swears that when it comes to play on the kids in the computer my daughter started learning her alphabet and was one of kid sites that when it comes to spell her alphabet and numbers because learned any other letter.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
PLAY. I think the answer is play. Your little one might learn differently than your oldest one. My suggestion is to take learning outside of the house, don’t use those books…take him to the library and make it a fun experience. Most libraries have storybook time, go to a couple of those. Your little one needs more creative thinking to learn. Go to the zoo and count…one monkey, two monkeys. I’m thinking this child is highly intelligent, but needs more of a challenge and going outside the home to learn (to other places; zoo, museum, library, etc.) are going to be beneficial for both you and him. Good luck. I’m curious to know what you think of my suggestion. Thanks.
September 21st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Whatever you do …do not make him hate learning by punishing him…not yet anyways……..Children develop at different stages…and do not compare anyone to anyone especially not siblings… those 2 things are laying the foundation for some rough years ahead. There are many positive things you can do….get to know him better and dont lose patience…Its not the end of the world if he doesnt get it this year! (There are classes, research internet, private preschool, etc)
September 25th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Relax, you are stressing both yourself and your child. It will happen, but don’t be so pushy. And stop comparing your kids, it will only make you frustrated…they are individuals. Maybe he won’t be the straight A student, so find what interests him and help him develop those interests. The school stuff will come - even if he isn’t where you want him to be.
September 27th, 2008 at 2:30 am
The phone your in the same way all you want remember this is do things he is do you tell me call daddy call grandma or when your in the store.
The store he hit each number and tell and you have to be amased try it went.