Together we sit down and puzzle through the math and language problems, giving him a much appreciated chance to help me improve my limited grasp of Turkish, while I help him keep up to date on his math skills.This summer we decided to start a new project together. We are writing a book based on a story he had written for one of his classes at school. Using the original text as the starting point, we are expanding the story further. By working together on this new joint venture, he is learning, while at the same time having fun and seeing the tangible results of his labor. Encouraging him to be creative, we have set no limits on how silly or serious the story will become. In addition, since we are writing the story both in Turkish and English, he is keeping his language skills sharp in two languages. As we work together to create the illustrations, he better understands the importance of exchanging ideas and working together to attain the final goal. Even though the book will most probably be just for our own private entertainment, he has a sense of accomplishment as we look at how far we have come with our creation. He is also learning that my work as a writer is not as easy as he once thought, and that is definitely a plus for me.
Realizing that neither one of us was as fit as we should be, we also embarked on a joint exercise program so that we both get in shape. He loves to ride his bike, so in the cooler hours of the evening, he pedals as I pant alongside him, trying to keep up as we head to one of the local parks. We also do calisthenics together, counting out loud in both languages and figuring out how many more repetitions of a given exercise we need to do to reach our goal for the day. Without him being aware of it, by keeping track of how many reps we have done so far and how many more we have to go until we are finished, he is actually working on honing his math skills.
Ali Adem has shown a recent interest in helping in the kitchen more, and I use this chance as a way to have him instruct me in Turkish, while I have the opportunity to help him learn about measurements. As I read the directions in English, he happily translates them into Turkish, once again helping my language skills improve, and providing him the chance to be my tutor, which is a role he loves to take on. With a little help from me when measuring out ingredients, he is working to understand sizes and dimensions. The end result is that we both have a chance to work together, learn from each other and then sit down and eat our final product. Not a bad way to teach or learn!
Our summer holiday time is not all work for Ali Adem, but I want to make sure that he keeps up to date on all his skills. Finding easy ways to continue the learning process shows him that discovering new abilities or understanding how what he learned in school relates to his own world can be fun and exciting. Seeing tangible results from our efforts is important to him at this stage. When looking at the progress we have made in our book project, he takes pride in his work and is constantly thinking of new additions to the story. He has seen that since our exercise regimen began he can ride his bike longer and faster, which is a tangible plus in his eyes. He is not concerned about the cardiovascular benefits of our workouts or the fine points of increasing stamina and toning the body. As long as he sees results he wants to continue in our progress. Having an assistant in the kitchen working beside me gives us a chance to share together and talk about our day. It also gives him something more entertaining than sitting in front of the television for hours on end. While cooking alongside me he is learning about the importance of nutrition, vitamins and minerals, and is finding out about the importance of choosing the right foods for meals and snacks.
Even though he is not in school, the learning process never stops. It is all a matter of making the educational process fun for both of us. I think the key is to be creative and flexible and to listen to the needs and wants of the child. In addition, make sure there is plenty of time to play together and enjoy each other's company.
Send comments and questions to k.hamilton@todayszaman.com
