In Part 1(Get Your Children Into a State of Focused Concentration & They Can Learn Faster ) I invited you to use a technique that will get your kids into a positive learning state. This is the state your kids should get into any time they need to take in, store and recall information.

It will absolutely make time go fast, everything will be more fun and it will be easier to learn.

By the way, you can put Part 1 into action, can’t you?

Let me explain another powerful state for learning…the SLANT technique.

It is a strategy adapted by Dr Ed Ellis. With SLANT, your kids will discover how to pay attention, not just in their classes.

Here’s what you do:

• Sit up-in your chair
• Lean forward – this tells the speaker that you are interested. It also alerts your brain to be curious.
• Ask Questions – When you do this, you keep your mind engaged. Eg what will he tells us next? You also get clarity or you can have them repeat information that was said.
• Nod your head – This shows the speaker that you’re listening. It sends a message to the speaker and to your own brain as well.
• Talk to the speaker – According to research, learning happens in the same part of your brain where relationships and connections are made. (MacLean, 1990) So, talk to the speaker/ presenter/ teacher and build a relationship with them.

Model the SLANT technique to your kids and practise it frequently. This way they can access the best state for learning and your kids will learn more, in less time and with less effort.

How good does that sound? How great would your kids feel? Can you see them enjoying learning?

Bonus tip

• Have your kids sit close to the front of their class or when they need to listen to someone… they’ll pay greater attention.
• Remember:Your kids are watching and listening to everything you do…so model attentive behavior yourself.

OK, It’s Let’s Talk Time…

I invite you to practise this technique and let me know how you and your children find it. Will it be easy? Probably not at the beginning. As you are aware, making something a habit takes time. It needs to become part of your daily routine or rituals.

I also invite you to leave a comment below and share what has worked…what hasn’t.

When our kids discover HOW they learn, they absolutely gain more control over their lives.

They are able to demonstrate and share their strengths, boost their self-esteem, become less afraid to make mistakes and increase their capacity to solve problems in life.

OK, what can you do NOW to develop this?

1.    Tap into your child’s learning style so they become a more active and involved learner.

Identify their preferred style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic). Then discover what activities will enhance your kid’s learning style.

2.    Discover HOW smart your kids are by meeting SLIM-N-BIL.

We are ALL intelligent in some way-Spatial, Linguistic, Interpersonal, Musical, Naturalistic, Bodily, Intrapersonal and Logical.

Each intelligence can be enhanced by specific materials, activities and special outings. When you identify their dominant intelligence/s, you will learn what they like to do, what they are good at and how they learn best.

3.    Create a supportive environment which invites and entices your kids to learn…and increase their learning retention.

Every aspect of the learning environment can affect your child’s experiences…lighting, temperature, acoustics, color, décor, seating, posters, music, aroma, plants, pets and toys.

4.    Take and make effective notes with Mind Mapping strategies to enhance your child’s success.

This information tool will increase remembering what is said or read, increase understanding and help organise material. Mind maps are colorful and have lots of pictures and symbols.

The ideas are connected and excellent for memory retention.

5.    Boost you kid’s brainpower by feeding them brain foods, plenty of water and exercise.

Proper nutrition protects the brain against toxins, improves mental alertness and assists memory.
Foods such as animal protein, nuts, legumes and seeds boost alertness.

Water is central to optimal brain functioning. Aerobic exercise improves thinking and learning.

6.    Avoid and relieve stress so your child can process and retain information they need to access more readily.

Have you ever had a person’s name ‘on the tip of your tongue’? No matter how hard you try to remember, the harder it seems to become. When you stop trying and relax, the name comes to you.

By avoiding getting stressed, you are able to stop your mind from going blank. Do some relaxation techniques, listen to music or practise yoga,maybe even T’ai Chi.

7.    Get in a state of focused concentration so your kids can learn faster and easier.

Would you like your kids to learn techniques where time goes faster, they can spend more time doing other things which they really enjoy, get better results on tests, study less, get certain people off their backs and they’ll do better in school?

Then two such techniques are called SLANT and the Alpha State…tools which will help your kids to access the best state for learning.

Here’s what I invite you to do now:

1. Search ‘learning styles‘ & ‘multiple intelligences inventories‘. Complete to identify your/ your child’s preferred style and dominant intelligence/s.
2. Research and then practise relaxation techniques, SLANT and the Alpha State.
3. Eat brain foods, exercise daily and drink 6-8 glasses of water per day.
4. Research Tony Buzan and Mind Mapping.
5. Create a learning environment.

OK, It’s Let’s Talk Time…

I invite you to let us know which of these techniques you are already using with your children? Which ones are effective and have brought about change?

Leave a comment below and share what has worked..what hasn’t …You can do that, can’t you?