It is a very effective way of teaching children the names of shapes, colors, numerals, amounts, letter sounds, and many other things. The three steps move information from short term to long term memory. You can see an entire Three Step Lesson on amounts 1, 2, and 3 described in photos.
Most Three Step Lessons use three objects. This is not a hard and fast rule. If using two objects works better, especially at first, use two. Your child will probably be able to ‘graduate’ to using three objects after a while. Here is a Three Step Lesson on the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue:
Step One: identify
“This is red.” Child holds, looks at, and says, “Red.” Put away and get out the yellow.
“This is yellow.” Child holds, looks at, and say, “Yellow.” Put away and get out the blue.
“This is blue.” Child holds, looks at, and says, “Blue.”
In Step One you show your child each object, one at a time, and tell her what each one is. Your child holds the object, looks at it, and says its name. This ‘places’ information into short term memory. Most Three Step Lessons use three objects. You can use two objects if it helps your child remember more effectively.
Step Two: Recognize
“Which one is blue? Which one is yellow? Which one is red?”
In Step Two, all three objects are placed in front of the child. You verbally say each objects name and ask your child to point each one out. Next, your child closes her eyes, and you move the objects around into a new arrangement:
“Which one is red? Where is the Yellow? Which one is Blue?”
Your child opens his eyes and you repeat the process of having him identify each object. This is repeated a few more times, changing the arrangement of the objects each time. Play games like placing the color chips on a table across the room and asking your child to go get each color. Reverse roles and have your child ask you to point out the colors.
Take the most time in this step. As you play games in Step Two, the information moves from short term to long term memory.
Step Three: Remember
“What color is this?”
“What color is this?”
“What color is this?”
Now you show your child each object again, one at a time, and ask her to name each one from memory. Another Three Step Lesson is described in photos the Amounts 1, 2, & 3 Three Step Lesson.
The Three Step Lesson is certainly not the only way to help your child remember things. Try it as a tool, and if it works for you, great. If your child responds better to another way of presenting information, use that. The keys to success are finding what works for your child; and making all your learning activities positive, fun experiences.
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