Positive learning improves educational success
“Development is a series of rebirths.” – Maria Montessori - The Absorbent Mind.
Regression in under 5’s is a very common behaviour and is easy to explain and understand in many instances. The arrival of a baby brother or sister. Mummy going on a long business trip or any changes to their daily routine can cause a return to more immature, baby-like behaviour. They often become more clingy, and more emotionally unstable (Sounds familiar!). These are all ways our children try to make themselves feel more secure. To gain some control over their little worlds. Saying NO instead of Yes - is always going to be a safer option, and one which will help the child internally if external conditions have changed.
But we also see this regression in their attitude and aptitude at school. When this happens, it should be treated in the same manner - with patience, and an understanding of the reason for the change.
It is not uncommon for a child to recite their ABC’s, match sounds with pictures, and count to 100 one day - and the next day show no understanding or interest in the same activities. Parents and many teachers often feel frustrated with this. They push harder to illicit the response they had the day before. Parents especially want, and often expect their little ones to move forward day after day. By continually moving forward and showing more understanding each time. Unfortunately, this isn’t how our little ones are made.
This regression or sudden disinterest in an activity or subject can be triggered for many reasons - sometimes very small reasons ! We need to remember that this change is to get the same results as their behaviour above. That result is safety.
Children often get labelled as lazy, not smart, slow, naughty etc because they have been triggered to stop learning. Once this cycle starts, it often becomes harder to reverse. It could be because they are bored, or they are being pushed to recite, recite, recite. Maybe they have been force-fed information in the wrong way at the wrong time. There are many other reasons - many of which would seem almost irrelevant to an adult - but of upmost importance to a 3-year-old.
The thing to remember is this. ABC’s and 123’s do not have a natural interest for young children - it is only through positive interactions with learning experiences that they gain confidence and an interest in practicing and improving. They must have a natural willingness to advance. As soon as they feel overwhelmed or unhappy with “learning’ the easiest thing for them is to switch off. They stop trying, and regress to easier happier activities!
This behaviour is seen all the time - sometimes it is for a small time period and then the child regains their learning confidence. Often, especially with the pressure to perform, homework to be completed etc, this switching off, of their learning development can last for months and even years. It is not until a child is 5 or 6 that he moves to the next phase of his development and thus has another chance to reengage in a positive way with the world of learning.
How to Encourage this Positive Learning?
Anything a young child engages in, should be interesting, progressive and as much as possible natural - Meaning they choose to do something - they are not made or expected to do something.
Give your child choices, let them decide their interests and needs at this point. Have a range of fine motor activities, activities which promote order, and Activities that can move from simple to complex, without changing their basic nature. Have stability and routine, introduce new experiences slowly and regularly and observe your child. If they are engaged, engrossed and happy - leave them alone! Keep reading and talking, and do lots of arty crafts - lead by example! - If you do almost anything - your child will want to do the same!!
REMEMBER - it’s not really what they do at this stage it is how they do it. Academics will follow naturally and easily for a confident child.
So the next time you feel your little one is not academic, or not learning well - take a breath and look for the reason. All children have this want and need to explore and learn - it is usually only when their environment is not suitable that these ‘learning regressions’ appear and often stay for far too long.
