The Importance of Review in Learning

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The following is a post by contributing writer Becky of This Reading Mama.

I was recently talking with another homeschooling mom who mentioned her child was just “not getting it” with her math.  As we talked about how what she could do to help her child, she said, “Our math book does review pages after so many lessons.  It always seems that she understands the concepts, so I see no need to review them before we move on.”  After those words came out of her mouth, she looked at me and said, “And there lies the problem!”  Oh, the power of review!

I’ve also been tempted to skip reviewing concepts after I’ve taught them.  I mean, the kid gets it.  Why review it?  There are many reasons review is a good teaching practice.  Here are just six:

1. Much of our learning is cumulative and connected.

Understanding the concept of multiplication works much better if we understand the concept of addition.  Multiplication builds on addition.  They are connected.  The same is true of reading.  We better understand how to read a CVC word because we know our letter sounds.  Cumulative and connected.

2. Learning is built on prior knowledge.

Because much of learning is cumulative and connected, we can use that to our advantage.  Are you introducing a new concept to your child?  Connect it to what he already knows {a form of review}.  For example, “Remember last week what we learned about animal needs?  What were those needs? {let child respond}  Today, we’re going to start looking at one of those things you just said…habitats.”

3. Learning doesn’t happen overnight.

While there are some kids who may have it down-pat the very first time you introduce it, generally speaking people need multiple and meaningful exposures with a concept before the light bulb comes on.  They need to be able to take that knowledge and make it theirs.  Own it, if you will.  Allowing your child the chance to review and “play with” concepts helps this to happen.

4. Review builds confidence.

When we ask our children to review something, it helps them build confidence because they can do it!  This is also known as practice.  A sports coach knows the value of practicing and reviewing old skills before introducing new ones.  It builds that “I can do it” spirit.  The same is true of teaching.

5. Review gives learners a chance to apply their knowledge.

Review, when done well, gives the child a chance to take what he’s learned, make it his own, and apply it.  A great way to do this is simply apply the knowledge to authentic situations that come up naturally in our day.  It could even be done well with a worksheet.  When we give our kids the chance to review and apply what they know, we are allowing the learning to take root and thrive.

6. Review allows for independence.

When teaching multiple children, independent work is vitally important.  You can’t introduce new concepts to everyone at the same time. The beauty of review is that students can do the work {wait for it} by themselves!

With these six reasons alone, I remind myself once again that I need to make sure review is included in my teaching.  It is not a waste of time.  It is valuable in building up our children as learners!

Becky is a homeschooling mama to four little blessings. She is passionate about teaching, specifically literacy. She is the author of This Reading Mama, where she shares reading and writing activities as well as literacy curricula and printables. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google +.