3 Ways To Make Flashcards Fun and Effective

Aug 09, 2017

So, some people think flashcards are boring and unproductive in studying, but the truth is that flashcards have been used for hundreds of years because they simply work! In addition, current research shows that using flashcards is one of the most effective ways to learn something new. OK little flashies. Y'all rock.

But for the parents who do want to teach their kids the Hmong language, the question remains: how can we use flashcards to teach our kids Hmong effectively?

Kids learn best when they are curious and are having fun. As a parent, it's super important to teach kids how to associate fun with learning. Don't just give a 2 year old a deck of flashcards and expect them to learn. You'll end up with ripped and bent-up flashcards! Instead, make a commitment to be involved in your child's learning process. Trust me...it's worth it!

Here are 3 ways you can have fun while teaching your kids with flashcards:

1. Make Up Silly Stories Using Flashcards
A mistake that parents make while going over flashcards with their kids is going through the flashcards too quickly. I get it. It can be boring (especially when you've gone through the deck 10 times!) and you don't have the time when the soup's boiling over and your other 5 kids are crying. But if you're bored, it's even more boring for your child. Instead of speeding through the cards, slow down and tell silly stories. For example, if you have a flashcard of a bear, tell your kids this story:

"This is a bear. His name is Tou Zong. He likes to eat honey and sleep in caves. One day he ate honey before he fell asleep and when he woke up, he had honey in his hair! The bear is so silly! This is a bear. Can you say bear?"

By connecting the flashcard with a story, your child will more easily memorize the word. It's also more fun for you!

2. Pass the Card in a Circle

This activity works best in a group of 3 or more, but it can work with just 2 people. Everyone sits in a circle. Pass a flashcard to the child on your left, saying for example, “This is a spoon.” The child takes the card and passes it to the person on their left, saying, “This is a spoon.” The card is passed around the circle. When the card returns to you, you put that card aside and introduce a new flashcard in the same manner. Even if there are only two people (you and your child), you can still do this together repeating the same flashcard 3 to 4 times.

3. Play Tag!

This next activity is a great for teaching children because children learn best when their whole body is involved (the same with adults!). This activity is really fun and competitive with multiple children but works great with one child as well.

Place flashcards around the room and have your child run and touch the card that you call out. For example, you can say, "Where's the watermelon?" Or simply, "Watermelon!" Your child will then go around the room to find and touch the flashcard. If you're playing with more than one child, you can see who touches it first. Your child will get cognitive and physical exercise all at the same time, while having a great time connecting with you.

With some creativity, flashcards can be a fun and memorable time with your kids. Try one of these actives and let me how it goes! Also, comment below with some creative ways you teach your kids with flashcards!

If you want to teach your kids the Hmong language with our cute and sturdy flashcards, check them out at our Online Store.

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