How to Teach Children Their Telephone Numbers & Addresses

Teaching your child your address and phone number can be an entertaining family affair. Also, training your child to recite this simple information will ensure that he is capable of calling for help if the need should ever arise. It is more than just a menial skill for your child to know his address and phone number; it's a vital part of ensuring your child's safety.

Instructions

1. Start teaching at a young age. The younger a child is when you begin teaching him about his address and phone number, the more easily he will learn the information. Start teaching your child as soon as he starts talking. You don't need to pressure him to remember the information right off the bat, but be sure to kindly tell him his address and phone number periodically to plant the seed of knowledge early.

2. Create songs. Children learn wonderfully through song. Using the melody of a popular song like "Old McDonald" or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," create a song with which you can serenade your child. You don't have to be a master composer. Just come up with some easy lyrics that include your address and phone number and sing the song to your child regularly. You will be surprised how quickly he picks up the tune and starts to sing it back to you.

3. Practice frequently. Turn play time moments into learning moments. If your child is playing with a toy that has numbers on it, ask him to show you what his phone number is or what numbers are present in his address. Use a play phone to practice calling the house. You can even answer his imaginary call by picking up the home phone and pretending to talk to him. If the learning process is fun, kids will retain the concept more easily.

4. Ask for recall often. Once your child has successfully learned his address and phone number, be sure to ask for recall on a regular basis. If you stop your teaching efforts as soon as the information has been learned, your child will promptly forget the knowledge. During down time, ask him to tell you his address and phone number. Not only will you be helping him retain the knowledge, but you will also be creating a temporary diversion that may prevent him from becoming bored.

5. Reward children for success. As your child begins to remember the information that you have been teaching him, be sure to reward him. If you are standing in line at the grocery store and he tells you his phone number, let him pick out a candy bar. Get him a new matchbox car if he can recite his address. While these rewards may seem inconsequential to adults, children will delight in receiving small prices to reward them for their efforts.

6. Give children real life practice. If you are out with your child and want to call your spouse at home, have him type the numbers into the phone. If Grandma is going to visit, put your child on the phone and allow him to give her your address. Even though you are more than capable of dialing the phone, and Grandma already knows your address, this practice will help cement the information. Once your child begins to practice recalling the information in real life situations, he will see how important the knowledge he has acquired is and be even more proud of his success.

References

• DLTK Kids