Why Children Need to Use What They Learn

Children learn new information all the time.

They learn letters, sounds, words, numbers, handwriting skills and many other things.

But remembering something is only one part of learning.

Children also need opportunities to use what they have learned.

Using a skill helps children move from simply knowing something to being able to apply it.

Knowing Something Is Different From Using It

A child may be able to tell you a letter sound when you ask them.

That does not necessarily mean they can use that sound when they are trying to read or spell a new word.

A child may know how to form a letter when practising it on its own, but still need more practice using that letter when writing words.

This is why children need opportunities to apply what they have learned.

Using Knowledge Helps Children Understand It

When children use information, they begin to see how it fits into what they are doing.

For example, learning a sound is one step. Using that sound to read a word gives the child an opportunity to apply it.

Learning how to form letters is another step. Using those letters to write a word gives the child a reason to use that skill.

These experiences can help children build a stronger understanding of what they are learning.

Children Need to Use Skills in Different Situations

Children do not always need to use a skill in exactly the same way each time.

A child who has been practising a new word might:

• read the word
• say the word
• spell the word
• write the word
• recognise the word in a sentence

Each activity gives the child another opportunity to use what they know.

Using a skill in different ways can help children become more flexible with their learning.

Using What They Know Can Build Confidence

Children can sometimes feel unsure about whether they really know something.

Being able to use a skill successfully can help make their learning feel more real.

For example, a child may have practised individual letter sounds many times. Then one day they use those sounds to work out a new word.

That moment shows them that what they have been practising has a purpose.

Small experiences like this can help children become more confident in their abilities.

Children May Need Help Applying What They Know

Knowing something does not always mean a child will immediately know when or how to use it.

Sometimes a small reminder can help.

You might ask:

• “What sound does that letter make?”
• “Can you use that sound in this word?”
• “What have you practised before that might help?”
• “Can you show me how you would do it?”

The goal is not to give the answer straight away.

The goal is to help the child connect what they already know with what they are trying to do.

Practice Gives Children Opportunities to Apply Learning

Practice is not only about repeating the same activity.

It can also give children opportunities to use a skill.

For example, a child learning spelling might first listen to a word, then say the sounds, then write the word and finally read it back.

Each step gives them another opportunity to use their knowledge.

This can be especially helpful when a new skill is still developing.

Keep the Practice Simple

Children do not need large amounts of work to use what they have learned.

A few words, letters or examples may be enough.

You could choose a small group of familiar skills and ask your child to use them in a new way.

• Read a word they have practised.
• Say the sounds in the word.
• Write the word.
• Use the word in a simple sentence.
• Find the same pattern in another word.

Short, purposeful practice can give children valuable opportunities to apply their learning.

Using What They Learn Takes Time

Children do not always move from learning something to using it immediately.

A skill may need to be revisited several times before the child can use it confidently.

That is normal.

If a child struggles to apply something they have practised, it does not necessarily mean they have forgotten it.

They may simply need more opportunities to use the skill.

Learning Becomes More Meaningful When Children Can Use It

Children learn for a reason.

Letters help them read and write. Sounds help them work out words. Handwriting skills help them communicate their ideas. Number skills help them solve problems.

When children can use what they have learned, they begin to see how their learning connects to the things they are trying to do.

Australian Educational Resources for Children

Educational resources can give children regular opportunities to practise and use the skills they are learning.

Choose activities that are appropriate for your child's age and learning stage, and give them opportunities to read, say, write, recognise and apply what they are learning.

Remembering Is Only Part of Learning

Children need time to learn new information.

They also need opportunities to use it.

When children can apply what they know, they have another opportunity to strengthen their understanding and build confidence.

Learning is not just about remembering the answer. It is also about knowing how to use what you have learned.