Providing children with opportunities to practice their skills from "summary" of Helping Children Succeed by Paul Tough
One of the key ways to help children succeed is by giving them ample opportunities to practice their skills. This concept is based on the idea that the more children practice a particular skill, the better they will become at it. This applies to a wide range of skills, from academic subjects like reading and math to social and emotional skills like empathy and self-regulation. When children have the chance to practice their skills regularly, they are able to reinforce what they have learned and build upon it. This repetition helps to solidify their understanding and mastery of the skill, making it easier for them to recall and apply it in different situations. For example, if a child practices reading every day, they are more likely to become fluent readers than if they only read occasionally. In addition to repetition, providing children with opportunities to practice their skills also allows them to receive feedback on their performance. This feedback can come from teachers, parents, peers, or even from their own self-assessment. By understanding where they are making mistakes or struggling, children can adjust their approach and improve their skills over time. Moreover, practicing skills in a variety of contexts and settings can help children generalize their learning. For instance, a child who learns to problem-solve in math class may be able to apply those same problem-solving skills in a different subject or in a real-life situation. This ability to transfer and adapt skills is crucial for success in school and beyond.- Providing children with opportunities to practice their skills is essential for their development and achievement. It allows them to build a strong foundation of knowledge and abilities that will serve them well in the future. By encouraging regular practice and offering constructive feedback, we can help children become more confident, competent learners.
