FAMILY TIPS SHEETS: STANDARDS 1-4 TIPS, LEARNING AT HOME, READING FOR ALL MALAWI (REFAM), 2021

By working with their child, parents can improve their child's learning outcomes, self-esteem, and ability to operate independently. All children can learn, and it is valuable that parents are on the journey with them. One effective way to support a child's learning is through the use of flashcards. Flashcards can be used to teach children the sounds of letters, vocabulary, and combinations of letters. To present flashcards, parents should sit facing their child, arrange the cards in the desired order, and hold the card up so the child can see the front and the parent can see the back. If necessary, the parent can read the front of the card, and if the child answers correctly, the card should be placed in a separate pile. Encouragement is also crucial in the learning process. Parents should remember that getting the answer wrong is not bad and should give their child the time and hints to get the right answer. Celebrating correct answers can also be a powerful motivator. Even motivated students will find flashcards challenging at the end of a school day, so it is essential to keep the use of flashcards game-like and not make them a chore. The REFAM initiative also emphasizes the importance of creating a reading corner with a collection of play materials that can arouse a child's interest. Parents can help their child make play materials and use them, such as bottle tops with letters written on them. Helping the child master concepts or names using real objects is also an effective way to support their learning. For children with learning difficulties, it is essential to ensure that books and other reading materials are available and cared for at home. Parents should also encourage their child during after-school reading lessons and talk with their child's teacher to learn their child's reading needs. Reporting success stories to the headteacher and teacher can also be beneficial. Modeling reading behavior is also crucial in supporting a child's learning. Parents should let their child see them reading magazines, recipes, and other materials, as this can help their child develop a love for reading. Supplying real objects for hands-on experience, such as leaves, coins, and maize grains, can also be an effective way to support a child's learning. For children who are blind, it is essential to ensure that books and other reading materials are available and cared for at home. Parents should also encourage their child during after-school reading lessons and liaise with class teachers on their child's reading needs. Reading every day, even for a short period, can also be beneficial in supporting a child's learning. Communicating with a deaf child requires a different approach. Parents should find out how their child communicates, as not all deaf children use Malawian sign language. Getting their child's attention, facing them when talking, speaking clearly and naturally, and using visual cues can also be effective ways to communicate with a deaf child. Standing with their face to the light, speaking one at a time, and reducing background noise can also make communication easier.