The Learning Process

As adults, we are concerned with the outcomes or the product of our efforts.
In part, this is because we are not still learning how to do most of these things.
But do you remember when you learned to play tennis or golf? Or use a new computer
program? In the beginning, you needed a certain amount of time for "messing around", exploring what happens when you don't do this or that.

That is the way it is with your child! Kids are learning new things all the time, and they need the freedom to try new things out without worrying about the product.

Luckily, young children tend to be more involved with the process or the doing than they are with the end product or results. That is why your child may draw all afternoon, yet still may not be able to tell you what they drew. And why one child can pour rice back and forth between pitchers all day long, and another string beads every day for a week.

It is hard for adults to look beyond the product of an activity and see what the child is learning from the process. Perhaps she is learning coordination or beginning writing skills or making discoveries about triangles or gravity. She's certainly finding out that doing for one's self is very satisfying--and that builds confidence.

Be patient. Allow your child the time to grow and learn through the various processes that are part of the task. Enjoy watching his or her involvement. Later, we all can be proud of the product.

--adapted form Family Friendly Communication for Early Childhood Programs, Diffily & Morrison Bottom