One of the significant findings from the book THE SMARTEST KIDS IN THE WORLD was the importance of parents talking to their children about school and showing interest in what they are learning. Often when parents say, "What did you learn at school today?" the child will respond with a blank look and a shrug of their shoulders. Here’s a super simple idea that will promote communication and encourage children to recall something specific that they studied at school.
Run off copies of the brain tickets attached. (You could also buy a roll of raffle tickets at an office supply store.) Each day before children leave school ask them to think of something new they learned. Hand them a brain ticket as they recall the day’s events.
Explain to the parents that they should expect their child to bring home a “brain ticket” each day. The parent’s job is to ask their child what she learned to earn it.
*Hint! Make tickets a different color each month.
SUPER DUPER BRAIN TICKETS
My friend Janice Vinci gives giant brain tickets to the children when they master specific skills, such as counting to 100, knowing their sight words, etc.
REWARDS
Give out brain tickets when children answer questions. Let them make a pocket to save their brain tickets in from an envelope. (Cut the envelope in half and then cut down 3/4" on each side and fold down.)
