How do you know your child "gets it" when you are covering a particular topic? Other than testing, what other ways do you use to demonstrate understanding?

Christine

I am not sure I understand this question but I'll answer with my recent experience with my kindarten daughter. I was teaching her about the five senses. After we talked a bit about each one I questioned her several times a day about them. I asked her today what the five senses are she was able to rattle them off very quickly. I know she understands.

So, my answer is repetition.

I think a lot depends on the child and their particular learning style. Two of my kids are very verbal. Everything they think must come out of their mouth! It's like they can't think about something without telling someone about it. So when they learn something new, I'm going to hear about it, usually in great detail! For others, though, it's not always as obvious. Sometimes they get that "ah-ha"!" look on their face. Other times something will come up later in the day (or week) that will remind them of something they learned and they'll mention it. Or sometimes I find out they didn't quite "get it" when it comes up again in a future lesson and they look at me with a "huh?" kind of look. I guess I've never done a lot of formal checking, but over time can usually tell what lessons they've really caught on to and which ones they haven't.