LLEEAARRNNIINNGG LEARNINGA Parent Guide for Ages 2–8TTHHRROOUUGGHHDDOOIINNGG THROUGHDOINGSeeingLearningThroughaChild’sEyes

At Smart Wonder School, we believe children need strong foundations and a joyful relationship with learning. Children learn not only when someone teaches them, but also when they play, explore, talk, create, solve problems and try again.FROM LEARNING ABOUT THINGS → TO LEARNING THROUGH THINGS. Everyday Learning Opportunities A story, a game, a shopping trip Cooking together, building with blocks Simply talking at the dinner table can all become opportunities to learn.The GoalThe goal is not to turn every moment into a lesson. It is to notice the learning that is already happening.

When a child listens to a story, they may be:countingLOOK BENEATH THE ACTIVITYLOOK BENEATH THE ACTIVITYLOOK BENEATH THE ACTIVITY When a child builds a tower, they may be: learning new words predicting remembering understanding feelings making connections balancing planning comparing solving problems talking trying again What looks like “just playing” may involve a lot of thinking and learning. SO ASK: “What did my child notice, try or discover?”

CONNECTWith younger children, talk about: The pictures. The characters. What might happen next. With older children, talk about: Characters. Clues. New words. Feelings and different possibilities. READING IS MORE THAN SAYINGREADING IS MORE THAN SAYING THE WORDSTHE WORDS READING IS MORE THAN SAYING THE WORDS Reading begins long before children can read independently.LOOKLISTENTALKPREDICTRETELLREADUNDERSTANDAfter reading, try:Act it outChange the endingDraw itMake a puppetRetell itWrite a message Reading is about understanding, thinking and connecting with a story.

SundayPlay a game together or let your child a invent one.Story TimeSort & Organise For different ages: 2–3: Explore and name 3–5: Try and explain 5–8: Predict, solve and createPour, fill, mix or observe. Ask, “What do you think will happen?”Everyday MathsGive paper, boxes or blocks and say, “What would you like to make?” 7 SMALL MOMENTS TO7 SMALL MOMENTS TO TRY THIS WEEKTRY THIS WEEK 7 SMALL MOMENTS TO TRY THIS WEEKMonday Read together. Ask, “What do you think will happen next?”Tuesday Sort toys, clothes or household things. Ask, “Can we sort them another way?”WednesdayLittle ScientistThursdayCount fruits, compare sizes, measure ingredients or look at prices while shopping.FridayCreate SomethingSaturdayNotice Walk Look for interesting things outside. Ask, “What do you notice?” REMEMBER:REMEMBER:REMEMBER: The activity is not the goal. The real learning happens when children talk, think, try and make connections.Sunday Family Challenge

EVERYDAY LIFE IS FULLEVERYDAY LIFE IS FULL OF LEARNINGOF LEARNING EVERYDAY LIFE IS FULL OF LEARNINGYou don’t need expensive toys or special materials. AT THE MARKET WHILE COOKING WHILE FOLDING CLOTHES WHILE BUILDING “What could make this stronger?” AFTER A STORY “What do you think the character was feeling?” OUTSIDE “What do you notice?” WHILE WRITING “Who could we write a note to?” Small moments can build big skills. “Can you find two apples?” “Which bowl is bigger?” “Can you put these into groups?”

2-3 YEARS Carry a napkin Choose between two things Put books away Water plants Sort toys GIVE CHILDREN A CHANCE TO SAYGIVE CHILDREN A CHANCE TO SAY “I CAN DO IT!”“I CAN DO IT!” GIVE CHILDREN A CHANCE TO SAY “I CAN DO IT!” Children become more confident when they get opportunities to do things for themselves. Put toys away 3-5 YEARS Help set the table 5-8 YEARS Make a simple list Organize belongings Plan part of a family activity Give them time to try before stepping in. Sometimes, the extra minute we a clid is more valuable than the answer we give them. Help prepare food

What might they be thinking?YOUR ROLE: BE A PARTNER INYOUR ROLE: BE A PARTNER IN THEIR LEARNING JOURNEYTHEIR LEARNING JOURNEY YOUR ROLE: BE A PARTNER IN THEIR LEARNING JOURNEY LOOK - What is my child doing? LISTEN - What are they saying? WONDER - SUPPORT - What could I do without taking over? TRY SAYING: “What could you try?” “What do you notice?” “Can you show me another way?” “Would you like to try?” “What do you think?”

ABOUT WORKSHEETSABOUT WORKSHEETSABOUT WORKSHEETS Worksheets have a useful place in learning — they help children practise what they have been taught. But real understanding comes when children experience ideas first. LEARNING HAPPENS IN STEPS 1 EXPERIENCE Children explore, touch, build, and try things out with real materials. 2 THINK They talk about what happened, notice patterns, and make connections. 3 PRACTISE They repeat and refine skills through guided activities and worksheets. 4 SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW They demonstrate understanding in their own way — not just on paper. The goal is not to remove worksheets — it is to make sure children understand before they practise. When experience comes first, worksheets become meaningful.

SOLVE PROBLEMS — and enjoy figuring things out At Smart Wonder School, we value strong academic foundations while giving children opportunities to learn actively and meaningfully.WHAT WE WANT FOR OURWHAT WE WANT FOR OUR CHILDRENCHILDREN WHAT WE WANT FOR OUR CHILDREN WE WANT CHILDREN TO: READ — and love stories WRITE — and have something to say LEARN THE ANSWERS — and ask thoughtful questions LEARN — and love learning This week, choose one ordinary moment. Give your child a little more time to:DO ITTRY ITTALK ABOUT ITFIGURE IT OUT

we want children to read, write, think and solve problems — while remaining curious, creative, confident and willing to explore. Because strong foundations and a love for learning can grow together. ATAT SMART WONDER SCHOOL,SMART WONDER SCHOOL,AT SMART WONDER SCHOOL,