They aren’t a new thing in the market as flashcards have been used for ages. The major purpose of their use lies in improving the ability of understanding concepts and recalling information among students. And, those cards haven’t lost their popularity after years of use because they are too good at doing their job. From the introduction to new topics by teachers to exam studies, Montessori cards have a range of uses. Besides, you can also use these kids printable cards in preschool activities. Here, we explore how flashcards are of use and how you can make the most of them.
The Science behind the Working of Flashcards
As compared to all other homeschool activities, the use of flashcards makes information retaining easier. The cards are designed to promote the process of active recall. This is done possible with its Q&A format where the child tries to recall the answer while looking at the question.
- Active Recall: This is an effective memory enhancing method by strengthening the brain’s neural connections. Repeating information through flashcards helps build a better connection and repetition can help target weaker areas. Also referred to as confidence-based repetition, the method has been scientifically proved effective in improving one’s memory.
- Spaced Repetition: Using flashcards printable for kids also promotes the use of spaced repetition, another memory-building process. According to this technique, studying information repeatedly after certain intervals improves recall chances. With flashcards, this comes in naturally as going through a complete deck to reach the same card again creates the required gap. And, following this approach helps create memories permanently and naturally. Cramming, on the other hand, is short-term learning where information doesn’t stay in mind for long. Besides, flashcards are also helpful in developing meta-cognition among children through the self-judging approach. This also comes in naturally when a child picks up a card, writes answers, and then evaluates himself/herself.
On top of all, the most important benefit of using a flashcard is that they make kids self-reliant. After teaching your baby how to start using these cards, you can make them learn independently. And, when your kid starts using these cards without needing your presence always, you have created a self-dependent homeschooling system.
How to Use Flashcards for Kids?
Since not all minds are made equal, everyone can have a different best way of learning and understanding things. The versatility of these Montessori cards makes them an effective printable tool for a range of kids. You can experiment from various learning methods or devise your own to find the one that works best with your toddler.
- Matching Cards
- Memory Game
- Passing Game
- Visual Learning
- Puzzle-based
Tips to Make the Most of Flashcards
In the end, here are a few tips that can help you make these cards more valuable for your child.
- Always shuffle cards well every time before starting again or after ending a complete deck.
- Keep separating cards into 2 piles during the learning process to differentiate learned and non-learned information. You can name piles as Green/Red, Pass/Fail, Know/Don’t Know, or anything else.
- Focus on the cards that your kid isn’t able to recall multiple times.
