Why Kids Practise
Children do not usually learn a new skill perfectly the first time they try it.
They need opportunities to use what they have learned, make mistakes, try again and come back to the skill later.
That is why practice is such an important part of learning.
Regular practice gives children more opportunities to remember and use new skills.
Practice Gives Children More Chances to Learn
When children practise something, they get another opportunity to use the skill.
Each time they return to it, they can think about what they already know and try to use that knowledge again.
This can be especially important when a skill is still new.
A child may understand something during one activity but need more practice before they can use it confidently on their own.
Children Need to Use What They Learn
Learning is not just about hearing information or watching someone else demonstrate a skill.
Children also need opportunities to use that information themselves.
For example, a child learning a new letter sound can practise by:
- Saying the sound
- Finding the letter
- Hearing the sound in a word
- Writing the letter
- Using the sound when spelling a word
Each opportunity gives the child another chance to use what they have learned.
Practice Helps Make Skills More Familiar
When children first learn a skill, they may need to think carefully about each part of it.
With practice, the steps can become more familiar.
A child learning handwriting may initially need to think about where to start a letter and which direction to move.
With repeated opportunities, the formation can become more familiar and the child may become more confident.
Practice helps children become more comfortable using skills they are still learning.
Practice Helps Children Remember
Children can forget information that they have only used once or twice.
Coming back to a skill gives them another opportunity to remember it.
This is why revisiting learning is useful.
A child might practise a spelling word today, see it again tomorrow and then use it in a sentence later in the week.
Each experience gives the child another opportunity to remember and use the word.
Practice Does Not Have to Be Long
Practice does not need to take a long time to be useful.
A short activity can give children an opportunity to revisit an important skill without making the task feel overwhelming.
You could spend just a few minutes practising:
- A few letter sounds
- A small group of spelling words
- Several handwriting formations
- A simple number skill
- Words your child has learned previously
Small amounts of regular practice can add up over time.
Repeating a Skill Does Not Mean Doing the Same Thing
Children can practise the same skill in different ways.
A child learning spelling might say a word, build it with letters, write it down and then use it in a sentence.
The activity changes, but the child is still practising the same underlying skill.
This can make practice more interesting while giving children repeated opportunities to use what they know.
Practice Helps Children Notice Mistakes
Making mistakes is a normal part of learning.
Practice gives children opportunities to notice what went wrong and try again.
For example, a child might leave out a sound when spelling a word.
Instead of simply giving them the correct spelling, you can encourage them to say the word slowly and listen again.
They can then have another opportunity to work out the missing sound.
Trying again gives children valuable practice in thinking about their own learning.
Practice Can Build Confidence
Children can become more confident when they notice that something is becoming easier.
A skill that once required lots of help may eventually need less support.
Small improvements can show children that they are making progress.
This can encourage them to keep trying when they come across something that is still difficult.
Keep Practice Positive
Practice works best when children have a chance to learn without feeling that every attempt has to be perfect.
Encourage your child to have another go when something is difficult.
You can say:
- “Let's try that again.”
- “What do you remember?”
- “Can you work it out?”
- “You are getting closer.”
- “Let's practise that one again.”
Simple encouragement can help children stay engaged with the learning process.
Give Skills Time to Become Secure
Children do not all need the same amount of practice.
Some skills may become familiar quickly, while others may take many more opportunities.
Try not to assume that a child has completely learned something just because they can do it once.
Continue to revisit important skills and give your child opportunities to use them in different situations.
Learning becomes stronger when children have time to practise what they have been taught.
Practice Can Be Part of Everyday Life
Practice does not always need to be a formal learning activity.
Everyday situations can provide opportunities to revisit skills.
You might practise reading while looking at a shopping list, talk about sounds while reading a book or use numbers while cooking.
These small moments can help children use what they already know.
Australian Educational Resources for Practice
Having simple educational resources available can make it easier to give children regular opportunities to practise important skills.
Writeboards educational resources support children as they practise handwriting, phonics, spelling, maths and other early learning skills.
Resources are available across Australian state and territory handwriting styles, helping families choose educational resources that match the handwriting style used at school.
Keep Practising Little and Often
Practice gives children repeated opportunities to use the skills they are learning.
It can help children remember information, become more familiar with new skills and gain confidence in what they can do.
Keep practice short, return to important skills regularly and give your child plenty of opportunities to have a go.
With regular practice, children can gradually build stronger and more secure skills.
