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Chapter 3: General guidelines for learning activities

Remember how children learn

When you are teaching a child a new skill, he will learn it in stages.

Then he remembers how to do it all by himself.

Finally, he uses the skill in new situations.

Try to be aware of all 3 stages as you teach your child. Remember, also, that all children need a lot of practice before they completely learn a new skill.

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Many of the activities in this book need you to give your child a lot of help at first. But as he begins to master a skill, give him less and less help. For example, when your child is learning to feed himself.

At first you may put your hands over his hands and move his arms.

As you feel him start to do some of the activity himself, loosen your hold on his hand. Then gradually move your hand to his wrist and lower arm...

...and then to his elbow.

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Encourage your child to be independent

It is natural to want to help your child do things. But be careful about helping your child so much that he does not have a chance to learn how the world works. For example:

When a child drops a toy, it is natural to want to pick it up and give it to him...

...but he will learn more if you help him find the toy himself.

Make the best use of your child's remaining sight

If your child can see a little, try to do activities that make use of his remaining sight. The next chapter explains how.

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Note: Any organisation or person wishing to copy, reproduce or adapt any or all part of the book for the promotion of community eye care and for public welfare without commercial benefit is encouraged to do so, subject to the written permission obtained and acknowledged in the printed copy.

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