Why Children Sometimes Need a Reminder
Have you ever watched your child do something successfully one day, only for them to seem unsure about it the next?
This can be frustrating for both children and parents.
But needing a reminder does not mean a child has forgotten everything they have learned.
Children are still developing their ability to remember information and use skills when they need them.
Children May Know Something and Still Need Help
A child may have learned a letter sound but hesitate when they see the letter.
They may know how to spell a word but need a little help getting started.
They may have practised forming a letter many times but suddenly ask, “How do I do this one?”
These moments can happen during normal learning.
A reminder can help the child reconnect with something they have already learned.
A Reminder Is Not the Same as Starting Again
When a child needs a reminder, it can be tempting to think they have gone backwards.
But learning does not always happen in a straight line.
Children may remember something easily one day and need support with it another day.
They may need to see the same skill again before they can use it independently.
That does not mean all their previous learning has disappeared.
Small Prompts Can Help
A reminder does not need to be a long explanation.
Sometimes a small prompt is enough to help a child work out what to do.
You might say:
- “What sound does that letter make?”
- “Have you seen this word before?”
- “Where do you start this letter?”
- “What comes next?”
- “Can you remember what we did last time?”
The aim is to give the child just enough support to help them continue.
Try Not to Give the Answer Straight Away
When a child is struggling, it can be tempting to tell them the answer immediately.
Sometimes, however, a small prompt gives the child an opportunity to remember it for themselves.
For example, if a child cannot remember how to spell a simple word, you could ask them to say the word slowly and listen for the sounds they hear.
This gives the child a chance to use what they already know.
Children May Need Different Reminders
One child might remember something after hearing a prompt.
Another child might benefit from seeing an example.
Another might need to practise the skill again.
You can try simple reminders such as:
- saying the information aloud
- showing an example
- asking a simple question
- breaking the task into smaller steps
- giving the child another opportunity to try
The important thing is to help the child reconnect with the skill rather than making them feel that they have failed.
Reminders Can Be Part of Normal Practice
Children often need to revisit skills before they become secure.
A reminder can simply be another opportunity to practise.
A child learning handwriting may need reminders about where letters begin.
A child learning spelling may need reminders to listen for all the sounds in a word.
A child learning to read may need reminders to look carefully at the letters and sounds in a word.
These small reminders can become less necessary as the skill develops.
Keep Reminders Calm and Positive
Children can become frustrated when they cannot remember something they thought they knew.
A calm response can help keep the learning experience positive.
Instead of saying, “But you already know this,” you could simply offer a prompt and give your child time to think.
They may remember it with a little help.
And if they do not, they may simply need more practice.
Give Children Time to Think
Sometimes children need a few extra seconds before they can respond.
If we answer for them too quickly, they do not get the opportunity to retrieve the information themselves.
Ask the question, give them some thinking time, and then offer a small reminder if they need it.
That little pause can give children an opportunity to work things out for themselves.
Reminders Can Help Build Independence
The purpose of a reminder is not to do the work for the child.
It is to help them find their way back to what they already know.
Over time, children may begin to give themselves their own reminders.
They might think:
- “I need to listen to the sounds.”
- “I start the letter here.”
- “I have seen this word before.”
- “I need to slow down.”
This is an important part of becoming a more independent learner.
Australian Educational Resources for Children
Educational resources can give children regular opportunities to revisit skills and use what they have learned.
Choose resources that suit your child's age, learning stage and Australian school context, and allow them to practise without feeling pressured.
Needing a Reminder Is Part of Learning
Children will not remember everything perfectly every time.
Sometimes they need a prompt, another example or another opportunity to practise.
A reminder does not mean a child has failed or that their learning has disappeared.
It can simply be the little bit of support they need to reconnect with what they already know.
