Stretch and Challenge – How to Support Your Child
As their parents/carers, you get the job of setting their goals.
Step 1 – Figure out what your child is capable of today. What are their skills? What can they do or not do? How well do they do certain tasks? Can they stay focused? Can they improve fine or gross motor skills?
Step 2 – Set the goal. What is the most important thing for them to work on? What can they improve on that would get them to the next stage?
Step 3 – Help them rise to the challenge. Set up scenarios where they can improve and assist them in applying extra effort to achieve it. One important note: Be careful not to make the goal so difficult that it is unattainable. The best goals for children are just beyond their current skills, but not so hard that they become frustrated or defeated.
Things to do
Visit the local library and encourage reading at home.
Extend their understanding of the world by watching the news, documentaries etc.
Do not always focus on your child’s obvious skills – encourage them to sample new activities.
Puzzles, crosswords, logic games, word games, card games, board games all help to develop the thinking skills and social interaction.
Learning a new language together.
Places to Visit in Leicestershire
Abbey Pumping Station
Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Belvoir Castle
Bosworth Battlefield and Heritage Centre
Curve Theatre
Great Central Railway
Jewry Wall Museum
Foxton Locks
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Leicester Cathedral and Guildhall
National Space Centre
New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
Record Office of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Twycross Zoo
Wigston Framework Knitters Museum
Useful websites to help stretch and challenge