An Uplifting Learning Strategy

My last blog post discussed how to implement a learning strategy for your child while you are on the go. I introduced the term learning burst and promised to delve into the concept and supporting strategy further. Let's begin with the concept.

The idea for this concept was born out of my inspiration from a hot air balloon: a large balloon that ascends when filled with hot air. The greater the amount of hot air pumped into the balloon, the higher it will ascend. Picture the balloon as your child's capacity for learning and the air supply as the process of learning.

Taking Off

When a hot air balloon is preparing to take flight, heat is needed to create the chemical reaction (rapid movement of air molecules) that results in the expansion of the balloon and ultimately causing it to lift. The required heat to cause the balloon to ascend I will refer to as effort. At first, extra effort is required to lift the balloon. As the balloon becomes inflated and takes off, its altitude can be raised by heating the air molecules intermittently; bursts of effort to achieve the desired height. When a new skill is introduced, we are preparing your child's learning to take flight. The main objective is to expand your child's understanding of the skill so that they can effectively and confidently apply it in new situations.

The Burst

Learning bursts are brief practice sessions spread out over a specific time frame to achieve a learning target or goal. Information is reviewed in short, regular, and continuous sessions to enhance learning, build confidence, and develop effective time management skills. A burst is more than just a concept; I have also transformed it into an acronym to connect the concept with the application process.. A B.U.R.S.T. is characterized by the following attributes:

Build:

Learning is an ongoing and accumulative journey. Therefore, when a new skill is introduced, it typically relies on a skill that was previously acquired. Feeling like there is a learning deficit is common when engaging in learning or needing more practice. It is important to convey to your child that they already possess a foundational knowledge, skill, or strength that can assist them in reaching their learning objectives. By framing it positively, they approach the learning process with a sense of empowerment. It is not about what they lack knowledge of, but rather about utilizing what they already know to facilitate the learning of new things.

Understood:

It is important for both you and your child to understand the purpose of the burst. This will help ensure that you are both aligned and in sync throughout the process.

Relevant:

Supplementary learning resources should align with the skill you aim to enhance. Knowing the exact names of the skills your child is practicing is essential in order to assist them in associating the skill names with the learning journey. Being aware of the skill's name will also facilitate your search for additional educational materials.

Short:

Practice sessions should be limited to 20 minutes and should begin right after learning a new skill. This method supports steady skill improvement and facilitates skill reinforcement through brief sessions spread over a specific time frame. Having scheduled, organized, and focused sessions also promotes the enhancement of time management abilities.

Target:

Bursts should be associated with a clear learning objective or goal. It is crucial for your child to understand the purpose of their efforts to help them remain focused and productive. Objectives need to be precise, set within a specific time frame, and attainable. Both you and your child should be aligned on these goals.

Learning BURST Form (Blank):

Burst Form - Blank.pdf

Download PDF • 45KB

Example Learning BURST Form (completed):

Getting A Lift

Heating the air molecules expands the balloon and causes it to rise, just like providing your child with the necessary tools to enhance their learning will expand their knowledge and boost their confidence. The aim of learning bursts is to enable the process to do the heavy lifting, making the effort seem less strenuous and the goal more achievable.