Parent’s Guide to Creating a Supportive Learning Environment at Home

When we talk about Singapore’s quality of education, it is undeniable that the standards are skyrocketing, and it has placed parents in a crucial position – as early as the moment their child steps into the preschool age.

With the help of therapy and other educational related programmes provided by different centres, parents have found their way to walk this pathway with some level of support that is a lot beneficial for their child’s journey.

Benefits of a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment for Preschoolers

Whether it’s the sights, sounds, or smells, environments can make you feel welcome and secure. Now, think about places you may not enjoy as much, like the dentist’s office, the airport, or a noisy restaurant.

What makes these spaces less pleasant? Some environments can leave us feeling tense, overwhelmed, or out of place. This is often because we have less control or predictability in those settings, or we don’t feel like we belong.

Just like adults, preschoolers and young children are deeply affected by their surroundings, even though they may not be able to articulate these feelings. It is our responsibility to create classrooms and learning spaces that help children feel safe, valued, and ready to engage in learning.

Research shows that preschoolers thrive in environments where they can form secure relationships with caring, responsive adults, who help them feel safe, and give them the freedom to explore and learn.

A thoughtfully arranged space at home can support children’s needs during both play and daily routines. This would be a great contributor and would enhance a child’s overall developmental journey.

Here’s some tips on how to create an optimal learning space in your home and integrate it with professional therapy initiatives.

Creating a Conducive Learning Environment at Home

Designate a Specific Learning Space

Creating a clear boundary in physical spaces in the classroom and learning centres have been a great help for a child to meet expectations in a class setting. This will definitely come in handy, too, when we are attempting to create a supportive learning environment at home.

Parents can designate a specific area for learning activities – a space that is free from distractions and is well-equipped with materials that pave way for a child’s learning.

For instance, a quiet corner with shelves for books, educational toys, and art supplies can encourage exploration and focused learning.

Establish a Routine

Why is routine a key component in a preschooler’s learning journey? Establishing a routine basically helps children feel supported and pre-empts them mentally for learning.

Setting aside specific times for various activities such as creative play, arithmetic, reading, and learning exercises can significantly aid in the child’s ability to transition between activities and maintain focus.

Engaging in daily routines helps children learn and develop essential life skills. Simple tasks like dressing, washing hands, and preparing for the day are valuable opportunities to support your child’s growth. These routines foster self-confidence, curiosity, social skills, self-control, communication abilities, and much more.

Remember, consistency is always the key for an inclusive learning environment!

Create a Positive and Encouraging Atmosphere

A little encouragement goes a long way! Providing a positive atmosphere for a child’s self-esteem is equally essential as providing all the physical structures.

When a child’s efforts and achievements are celebrated – no matter how small – it will reinforce a positive attitude towards learning. Even in not-so-perfect moments, their persistence for trying and problem-solving skills can also be praised. Other than that, ensure that interactions during learning sessions are supportive and nurturing.

Create a Balanced Environment (Play and Learning)

By now, the world in general has been more aware of the power of play. Play is truly an essential tool for young children. On creating these structures at home, make sure to integrate educational games and activities that blend learning objectives with fun experiences.

For example, storytelling enhances language skills, while sorting some toys can be a basic math concept. Balance structured learning activities with ample imaginative play, as both are important for a child’s holistic development.

Here are some activities and interests to easily engage your child at home:

• Storytelling and Imaginary Play

• Building Toys / Blocks

• Toys / Games: Puzzles, Board Games, Matching Games

• Reading

• Drawing / Arts and Crafts

• Music and Movement

• Tactile Play

Be In Sync with Therapy Programmes Provided at the Intervention Centre

Maintain Open Communication with Your Child’s Therapists and Educators

Children benefit from collaborative efforts between caregivers at home and therapy or intervention centres. Having open communication with therapists and educators can help to align home activities with your child’s developmental goals (e.g. IEP, Lesson Plan Objectives, etc.).

Not only that, regularly sharing observations and progress updates will ensure continuity in an inclusive learning environment and will reinforce effective strategies for your child.

Incorporate Multi-Sensory Learning Techniques

Preschoolers learn best when engaging multiple senses at the same time. At home, incorporate activities that stimulate sight, sound, touch, and even smell to enhance learning experiences.

A multisensory teaching approach engages a child’s learning through more than one sense, going beyond traditional methods that rely mainly on sight or hearing. The solution is to incorporate additional senses, especially touch (tactile) and movement (kinaesthetic), to create stronger tactile and kinaesthetic memories alongside the visual and auditory ones.

For children with learning difficulties in areas like reading, writing, spelling, math, and language comprehension, multisensory techniques can be particularly beneficial.

These approaches leverage their strengths to aid in learning, whether through simple methods or more complex strategies tailored to individual needs.

For instance, use textured materials for sensory play or sing simple songs accompanied with body movements to reinforce learning concepts.

Utilise Appropriate Learning Materials

Choosing suitable learning materials can significantly support therapy outcomes. Make sure to pick out materials that are age-appropriate and cater to your child’s specific developmental needs. Whether it’s educational apps, adaptive toys, or sensory tools, ensure they align with the skills being targeted in their class and therapy and sessions.

Doing these steps at home may require parents to go an extra mile as it involves intentional planning and effort, however, the rewards are immensely great.

By designating a dedicated learning space, establishing a consistent routine, fostering positivity, and integrating play with learning, parents can effectively complement the therapy and intervention programmes provided at learning centres.

Remember, each child is unique, so adapt these strategies to suit your child’s individual needs and preferences.

Together with therapists and educators, you can empower your child to thrive in their developmental journey.

Additional Tips:

• Explore resources or parent support groups in Singapore for additional guidance.

• Stay informed about new therapies or educational approaches that may benefit your child.

• Trust your instincts as a parent and seek professional advice when needed.

By creating a nurturing environment at home and maintaining collaborative relationships with professionals, you are laying a solid foundation for your child’s educational and developmental success.