How do I learn?

To encourage children to think about different ways of learning (SEAL theme 5, ‘Good to be me’).

by Gordon Lamont

Suitable for Key Stage 2

Aims

To encourage children to think about different ways of learning (SEAL theme 5, ‘Good to be me’).

Preparation and materials

• You will need five sheets of paper with pencils and clipboards.
• Prepare some children to demonstrate some sporting skills such as ball control (e.g. netball or football), or simple gymnastics if you have the appropriate mats and equipment available.

Assembly

1. Ask for five volunteers and give them paper, pencils and clipboards to lean on. Ask them to draw a picture of you while you lead the assembly.
2. Set some simple number problems that are at the right level for a large number of the children. Keep this light-hearted and enjoy their success when they get the correct answers.
3. After a few number questions say this: ‘backwards speaking am I that realize you if up hand your put.’
   
   Repeat this a few times until some hands start to go up.
4. Invite some children to demonstrate their ball/game skills.
5. Ask to see the pictures drawn by the volunteers and comment positively on each one, concentrating on the differences in approach and style.
6. Sum up by pointing out that in the assembly you’ve looked at number problems, understanding strange-sounding words, sport or physical challenges, and drawing. If there had been time you could also have asked some children to sing, write poems, and research something – and much more.
   
   Some people seem to be good at all different types of activities and learning but most of us find that we’re best at just one or two ways of learning. You could mention the school’s approach to learning styles (such as verbal, kinaesthetic, etc.) if appropriate at this point.

Time for reflection

What kinds of things do you like learning?

Do you like number problems?

Do you enjoy writing, art, games and sports?

What about puzzles or making things or singing?

There are many different ways of learning things.

What kind of learning do you like best?

Song/music

‘The best gift’ (Come and Praise, 59)