Promote Peer reading among children

By Dickson Tumuramye

Having completed the festive season, most children have now started writing their holiday packages.

So, as the holiday is getting to the end, it is better to start engaging children in doing the holiday package.

However, children ought to be put and encouraged to do peer reading since some parents may not have all that time to sit down with them to complete the package.

Some children may also be busy now with coaching and may not be able to have enough time. The little ones may have no one to help them.

But youngsters learn well from their fellow children. They understand better when they imitate what their peers are doing. This could be an opportunity to ask the older ones to help the young ones provided they understand the work.

I have seen my children helping each other when it comes to their homework. The schools can pump children with daily homework irrespective of whether the child is tired or not.

So, sometimes you are tempted to sympathize with the child when he /she is not in the mood of doing it.

Therefore, I use one of them to convince the other to finish the work. I also sometimes put some rewards if one finishes on time; these are in-house rewards which don't need money.

Don't think that it's teaching a child "corruption." We all need motivation in life when we seem weak in certain areas. These can be carrying them on my back, have a walk with them during the evening or weekend, among others.

Therefore, as children help and work with each other, it creates interdependence and accountability as well as increasing their participation and motivation to accomplish tasks.

 They learn faster than from elders or parents and you are promoting their relationships and leadership skills.

It also reduces your stress, promotes teamwork in your home and you are able to achieve what you want.

You will all be happy and ready to take on other tasks. During this holiday if let your children work together and complete their holiday packages.

The ones in the upper classes should be willing to help their siblings, teach children the value of teamwork and hard work as well as reading together.

Don't be overwhelmed with January assignments and you fail to have time for your children.

Allocate them responsibilities and supervise them.  Let them learn how to be independent in doing their work and tomorrow they will not be looking at you for everything.