Enhancing your child’s learning with the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' technique
One highly effective technique that can significantly improve the learning and retention of our children is the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' method. This simple yet powerful approach can be employed when using revision guides, textbooks and classroom notes, helping your child to become a more independent and confident learner. Let's explore how your child can harness the potential of this technique to enhance their study sessions at home.
Understanding the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' technique
The 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' technique is a proven strategy used by students to memorise and consolidate information effectively. It involves four essential steps:
Look: Your child begins by looking closely at the information they want to learn, whether it's a specific concept, formula, or key dates. They should read and understand the material thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Cover: Next, they cover the material, hiding it from view. This step is crucial as it encourages them to recall the information from memory rather than simply relying on visual cues.
Write: With the material still covered, your child writes down what they remember. This step reinforces the learning process by actively engaging their memory and facilitating better retention.
Check: Finally, they uncover the material and compare what they wrote with the original content. This step helps identify any mistakes, omissions, or inaccuracies, which they can then correct.
Using the technique with revision guides
Revision guides provide concise summaries of key topics, making them ideal for the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' technique. Encourage your child to break down their study sessions into manageable chunks and focus on one topic at a time. They can repeat the process for each section until they feel confident in their understanding. Encourage your child to be consistent with their practice, as repetition is key to reinforcing their memory. Regularly revisiting topics will solidify their understanding and improve long-term retention.
Encouraging a positive learning environment
To ensure the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' technique is effective, support your child in creating an ideal study environment. Minimise distractions, provide adequate study materials, and maintain a consistent routine. Praise their efforts and progress, fostering a positive attitude towards learning.
In conclusion, the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' technique is a valuable tool for your child's academic journey. By using this method with revision guides, textbooks and classroom notes, they can improve their understanding, retention and confidence in their studies. Emphasise the importance of consistency and practice, as these habits will help them excel academically and develop crucial skills that extend beyond the classroom. As a parent, your support and guidance will be instrumental in helping your child reach their full potential.
