The Value Of Grade School FlashCards

By Ann Roberts


Some kids love to learn the way lessons are taught at school, but many students have trouble. Discouragement early on can make a bright pupil lose the will to succeed. Both parents and teachers can make good use of grade school flashcards. These simple tools are remarkably effective. There are many different kinds on the market, and anyone can make a set on their own.

Almost all of us are familiar with teaching the alphabet. Parents buy ABC books by the millions, and children love the ABC song. Flash cards are a good way to help kids learn to recognize the letters which make up the words they already know from speaking. Numbers can also be taught with individual cards, shown in order, or scrambled up as a challenge.

Another thing that flash cards teach is phonics. Almost any child who doesn't learn to read will improve quickly when they are taught the sounds of individual letters or letter combinations. Soon these 'slow learners' may outpace their peers. There are many fun learning games that make learning fun. Cards help kids figure out things like short and long vowel sounds. The teacher holds up a card with the word 'tap' and then one with the word 'tape'. Tricky concepts like the sound of Ch are also easier to grasp with a focused visual aid.

Math is another subject that can be drilled with flash cards. Think of the multiplication table: memorization is a pain but when an adult participates and cards are used, students may find it easier to engage. Two times two is four soon becomes automatic, and this helps even when 'new math' is taught. Counting by ones, twos, and so on is fun, too. Children often use these shortcuts in games outside, counting their steps or hops.

As well as reading and math, learning a second language is easier when flash cards are used to reinforce lessons and conversation drills. If you know a few basic words, you can build up slowly by adding new words on a daily basis. This is the way children learn their native tongue. As parents know, a baby starts with 'Mama' and 'Dada' and 'no', but soon the child is chattering like a magpie. A game of reading the word on the card and then using it in a simple sentence is fun for everyone, especially if there is a reward for correct answers.

A pupil who is struggling may give up. However, a little help can make all the difference. Even those who are not educators will see amazing progress with a few minutes a day using these helpful tools. A child blossoms with individual attention, too. Older kids can even help younger ones.

Those who haven't tried this method before will be surprised at how effective it is. A few weeks can turn failure into success. Reading or math can become a thrill rather than an insurmountable barrier.

Online sites have the basics, as well as creative new cards to stimulate both teacher and student. All this system requires is patience and perseverance until goals are met.




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