My new summer reading book is The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child by Richard Lavoie. I'm only 70 pages into the book and absolutely love it! There is so much good information in it for parents and teachers. I'm starting to see my trend of summer reading books that discuss students' motivation....hmm, I see a Parent Workshop about how parents can increase students' motivation in our future......!Richard Lavoie proposes a 4 step process to teach your child almost any skill from how to make his bed, how to learn times tables, how to cook an egg, how to do laundry, etc.
Lavoie states "This simple, sequential strategy must be followed closely with appropriate emphasis on and practice with each of the four steps."
STEP 1: Do It For Him
Have your son/daughter watch as you do the task. She will not participate yet, only watch you. Explain what you are doing as you do it then have your child verbally walk you through the process and give you directions. Don't ask that your child physically help you yet.
STEP 2: Do It With Him
Gradually include your child in the process. In Step 1 you are completing the task and in STEP 2 you are assisting your child in the task.
STEP 3: Watch Him Do It
This step is often forgotten but is so important! Once your child has mastered the skill, ask him/her to call you to observe their finished product. Offer suggestions, praise and encouragement.
STEP 4: Have Him Do It
Your son/daughter has now mastered the skill so let them do it! Don't fall into old habits of enabling and dependency. Be proud that your child has learned a new skill and you taught them how to do it! Now let them practice doing it!
