My tip this week is to
Encourage Experiential Learning >>Listen
 
Summertime is a natural opportunity to encourage, emphasize and facilitate experiential learning.  Your teenagers can benefit from new opportunities to learn new things in new ways. In the past, you’ve probably encouraged your children to take swimming lessons, play tennis or go to summer camp….these are examples of wonderful ways to learn through experiences. I’d like to encourage you to continue to be creative in helping your teenagers get exposure to new situations and to develop new skills, keeping in mind the power of experiential learning.

What is experiential learning and why is it important? When all parts of you are involved… your brain, your feelings, and your body…you are learning through you experiences and whatever you are learning will stick with you more.

Good teachers use many different experiential techniques in the classroom to help kids learn their lessons more effectively. Teachers know that when a child gets their body involved, engages their emotions, talks with others, and takes time to reflect, the learning can go right off the charts.

What new things can you expose your teenager to this summer that lend themselves to experiential learning? How about cooking? Playing the guitar? Think about activities that engage your teenager in new ways. Is your daughter a nut about taking photos of her friends?  Perhaps she’d enjoy making a photo album or collage. This could involve learning about digital scrapbooking or having fun with some graphics programs. What does your son love to do? If music is frequently blaring from his room, perhaps he can learn how to wire up some special speakers or install satellite radio in the family room. I encourage you to embrace their interests, and help them expand on them….they’ll be grateful for your support and interest and may just develop a passion and new skills that will last a lifetime.

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Teens…….

Til next time…I'm Sue Blaney.