Learning at the Kitchen Table
By: Tim Gruber

Learning is the essence of all human endeavor, particularly so when your child falls in the “special needs” category. Finding a job, going to school, in fact; participation in any life activity requires the ability to learn. This is a dilemma for many of us who parent specially gifted children. Brandon is in this category. So where do we begin the process of introducing concepts that will have long lasting impact on our kids?

It begins at the kitchen table. You can teach manners, which are so important to the acceptance piece of our lives. You can learn math and writing principles, as well as, learn to read all in the confine of a meal. Now, many of you are thinking this man is out of his mind…my wife sometimes thinks the same thing, but let me explain before this judgment is too engrained to be reconciled.

Our kids are motivated in most cases by food. Think for a moment about a typical dinner time conversation and what I state above will be apparent. “How many carrots would you like?”…or “Do you want a fork or spoon?”…”Do you want macaroni with letters or numbers?”…”How would you like to pour your own drink?”. These are just a few samples of everyday questions we ask Brandon. Responses vary from “I want three carrots” or “I want the macaroni with letters.” As the child progresses you tackle the menu and ordering at a restaurant. I’d like pancakes and sausage or grilled cheese sandwich with chocolate milk are typical orders. Think about all the opportunity for your child to utilize their auditory processing, i.e. “what would you like to drink, Brandon?” or kinesthetic process by having your child actually stick the three above mentioned carrots onto their own plate using their fork. The final piece is the visual process.

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This is reinforced when they model behavior seen by you or other children in the restaurant or at home. One area we give our children far too little credit is in their receptive language. I’ve interacted with hundreds of Down syndrome children and their understanding of a situation usually exceeds their communication abilities. It is clear that everyday opportunities, notably eating, are among the best learning times. If you change your mindset and think about the cup as a measurement, quantity as a mathematic process, and food as a reading tool, you will soon discover that every meal becomes body and mind sustenance. Napkins become paper to write letters and numbers. Forks, spoons, and knives become instruments to form letters and numbers. Menus serve as suitable reading material. Whether you dine in or out you must seize the moment.

The key to Brandon’s success is his motivation level. He’s a motivated eater when the time is right and introducing learning prolongs his interest. His manners, recognition of letters, words, and basic math skills all were served up on a platter of food. The kitchen table has become more than a means to stuff ones face, it is now peak learning time. This is a time where readiness and willingness are united and is available to each of us everyday.

The next time you sit down for a meal at home or restaurant remember to add the learning ingredient. You’ll find your child a willing and able participant without the apprehension or risk of failure associated with many learning environments. Think of it as both an educational and eating opportunity. If you hear a young boy counting carrots don’t be surprised it may just be Brandon learning a little math. See you at the table it’s learning time.