So, I decided to go the flashcard way for my kid. I introduced at the age of 9 months. It may sound early, but it worked well for us. It brought a sense of routine and added a fun element to our time together. However, I was uncertain about how much my child was actually absorbing.

One aspect that left me utterly confused was deciding on the right path to take in terms of teaching methods. With numerous options available, such as the Doman, Shichida, and Heguru methods, among others, I found myself overwhelmed. The internet was filled with conflicting information, and everyone claimed that their method was the best. Finding the right guide became a daunting task, to say the least.

I delved into Glenn Doman’s books repeatedly and explored the Shichida and Heguru methods in great detail. I also looked into other established methods like Montessori. As I navigated through these different approaches, I realized that blending them together might be the key. I understood that there would be a bit of trial and error involved, but I believed that mixing methods could be effective.

It took some time (days, I mean), but eventually, I devised a plan that worked for us. I decided to omit certain aspects of each method that I found challenging to follow through with. For example, from the Doman method, I dropped the requirement of showing my child five flashcards, three times a day, while repeating two of them. Frankly, I found it confusing and felt that it wasn’t the right fit for us. However, it might work perfectly for others, so I encourage you to read through the methods and tailor them according to your needs. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for me may not necessarily work for others.

Similarly, I mainly incorporated the math aspect from the Shichida method. I blended it with Doman’s math formula. From Heguru, I took certain elements and left out others, such as the speed at which the flashcards were flashed. I found it to be too fast for both my child and myself.

My Tip

Each method has its unique approach, and it’s crucial to find the one that aligns with your child’s needs and learning style. Alternatively, it could be worth considering exploring other established methods.

Blending Educational Methods: Guidelines

When it comes to mixing educational methods, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

Compatibility and Alignment

It’s important to assess the compatibility and alignment between the educational methods you wish to blend. Each method may have its own unique principles and objectives.

Take the time to thoroughly understand these principles and evaluate how they can work together harmoniously. Look for common goals and areas where the methods can complement each other.

Balancing and Prioritizing

When mixing methods, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid overwhelming your child with too many techniques.

Consider the time, resources, and energy required for each method. Evaluate which aspects are most relevant and impactful for your child’s development and learning. Prioritize the techniques that align with your child’s specific learning needs and goals.

Monitoring and Adapting

Just like with any educational approach, it’s important to continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the blended methods. Keep a close eye on your child’s progress, engagement, and overall well-being.

Observe how they respond to the different techniques and adjust accordingly. Be open to feedback from your child, educators, and professionals. If certain aspects of the blended approach aren’t producing the desired outcomes, don’t hesitate to make adjustments and adapt your methods to better suit your child’s needs.

Assess Alignment with Your Goals

Consider your educational goals and aspirations for your child. Identify the core values and outcomes you want to achieve through their education.

Evaluate how well each method aligns with these goals. Look for methods that prioritize the skills, values, and areas of focus that you deem essential for your child’s overall development.

Evaluate Practicality and Feasibility

Assess the practicality and feasibility of implementing each method in your daily routine. Consider factors such as time commitments, available resources, and your own comfort level with the methods.

Choose aspects from each method that are realistic and sustainable for you and your child. Remember, consistency is key for effective learning.

If Possible, Seek Professional Advice

Consult with educators, professionals, and experts in the field of early childhood education.

While I personally couldn’t find any professionals to consult with or perhaps my skepticism got the better of me, you may be fortunate enough to find experts who can offer their guidance.

Share your intention of blending methods and discuss your goals with them. Seek their input on the most effective and complementary aspects from each approach. Their expertise can help you navigate through the options and make informed decisions

Observe and Listen to Your Child

Observe your child’s responses, engagement, and progress as you incorporate different aspects from each method. Pay attention to their level of interest, enjoyment, and understanding.

Your child’s active involvement and enthusiasm are indicators of what resonates with them and what should be prioritized.

Remember, the goal of mixing methods is to create a tailored learning experience for your child. It’s a journey of discovery and exploration. Be flexible and willing to experiment, but also mindful of your child’s individuality and learning style.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether mixing methods is the right choice for you and your child. It ultimately depends on your child’s needs, your personal preferences, and the resources available to you. Trust your instincts as a parent.

Here are the various methods that I could curate. Go through each. It might help you in deciding:

Doman Method

The Doman Method, developed by Glenn Doman, is an early childhood education approach that focuses on stimulating brain development during the critical early years of a child’s life. This comprehensive method encompasses various activities, with the use of flashcards playing a significant role.

The Philosophy

At the core of the Doman Method is the belief in the vast potential of the young brain and the importance of early stimulation. Glenn Doman emphasizes that children have an innate ability to absorb knowledge and learn at an accelerated pace during their early years.

The method focuses on providing a rich and stimulating environment that encourages the development of various cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities.

Early Reading Skills

One of the key aspects of the Doman Method is its approach to early reading. The method posits that children have a natural ability to learn to read at a young age, even before they can speak.

Doman advocates for the use of flashcards with bold, high-contrast images and words as a tool for introducing vocabulary and reading skills to infants and toddlers. The repetitive exposure to these flashcards aims to develop early reading skills and a love for learning.

The Role of Flashcards

Flashcards are an integral component of the Doman Method. These specially designed cards feature visually stimulating images and words. The method emphasizes presenting the flashcards in a structured and repetitive manner, engaging the child’s attention and promoting information absorption.

Advantages of the Doman Method:

Early Language Development: Through the use of flashcards, the Doman Method effectively facilitated my child’s language development. It exposed my kid to words and concepts, accelerating language acquisition.

Visual Stimulation: I liked the vibrant and engaging flashcards. They captured my child’s attention and, I believe, enhanced recognition skills.

Increased Parental Involvement: One of the significant benefits I experienced with the Doman Method was the heightened quality time I spent with my child. The method actively encourages parents to participate in teaching and engage with their child.

Personalized Learning: The Doman Method provided me with the flexibility to tailor the learning experience to my child’s specific needs, abilities, and interests. By customizing the flashcards accordingly, I could address their individual learning strengths and weaknesses.

Disadvantages of the Doman Method:

Overemphasis on Flashcards: Personally, I noticed that the Doman Method heavily relies on flashcards, which made me question whether it might limit the range of learning experiences by neglecting other important activities.

Limited Social Interaction: As my child grows up and prepares for school, I realized that the individualized focus on flashcards within the Doman Method may reduce opportunities for social interaction and collaboration, potentially affecting their readiness for social interactions.

Lack of Play-Based Learning: I found that the Doman Method didn’t incorporate many play-based learning experiences, which might be essential for holistic child development and learning, creativity, and imagination. To address this, I integrated other methods to ensure a more well-rounded approach.

Shichida Method

Shichida Method is an early childhood education approach developed by Makoto Shichida that aims to maximize a child’s learning potential during the critical early years of life. This method focuses on developing the right brain, fostering early literacy, and enhancing various cognitive developments in children.

The Philosophy

At the heart of the Shichida Method lies the belief that every child possesses an innate ability to learn and absorb information at an accelerated pace during the early years of life. The method emphasizes the importance of tapping into the right brain’s creative and intuitive capabilities, alongside the left brain’s logical functions.

Right Brain Training

The Shichida Method places significant emphasis on right brain training. This aspect of the method is rooted in the belief that the right brain is responsible for creativity, intuition, and photographic memory. The method employs various techniques, including visual stimulation, to engage the right brain and develop these cognitive abilities.

Flashcards and Visual Materials

Flashcards play a crucial role in the Shichida Method. They are used as visual stimuli to captivate a child’s attention and enhance memory retention. The flashcards often feature vibrant images, words, and numbers. These visual materials are carefully designed to engage the child’s senses, promote rapid information absorption, and facilitate early learning.

Rapid Image Recognition

One of the unique features of the Shichida Method is the use of rapid image recognition exercises. These exercises involve presenting a series of images rapidly to the child, stimulating the right brain’s ability to process visual information at a high speed. The method aims to enhance the child’s photographic memory, intuition, and cognitive processing abilities.

Parent-Child Bonding Through Learning Activities

The Shichida Method emphasizes the role of parents in their child’s education and development. Parents are seen as essential facilitators of the method, actively engaging in learning activities and fostering a strong parent-child bond. The method encourages parents to create a loving, nurturing environment that supports the child’s learning journey.

Music and Multisensory Techniques

In addition to flashcards and rapid image recognition, the Shichida Method incorporates music and multisensory techniques to enhance learning. Music is believed to stimulate the brain, improve concentration, and facilitate memory recall. Multisensory activities, such as hands-on experiences, movement, and imaginative play, are used to engage multiple senses and enhance cognitive development in children.

Advantages of Shichida Method:

Early Brain Development: The Shichida Method emphasizes early brain development and seeks to tap into the child’s innate potential during the critical period of brain development. The program aims to stimulate the brain through various activities, including flashcards for infants and toddlers, to enhance cognitive abilities.

Whole Brain Learning: The method claims to focus on engaging both hemispheres of the brain to promote holistic learning. The use of flashcards for babies in Shichida Method incorporates visual stimuli, enhancing the right brain’s visual processing abilities, while also engaging the left brain through language and comprehension.

Rapid Information Absorption: The repetitive nature of the flashcard activities in the Shichida Method aims to facilitate rapid information absorption by exposing children to a wide range of concepts and knowledge. The method claims that this helps children develop a strong foundation of knowledge.

Memory Enhancement: Flashcards are utilized in the Shichida Method to improve memory retention and recall.

Disadvantages of the Shichida Method:

Intense Schedule: The Shichida Method often involves a rigorous and structured schedule, with daily activities and exercises. This may be challenging for some families, like mine, to accommodate.

Pressure and Stress: The focus on early brain development and the emphasis on achieving specific milestones may create pressure and stress on both children and parents.

Limited Play-Based Learning: Like the Doman method, the Shichida Method it also intensely focused on structured activities, including flashcards. I believe it may limit play-based learning, which is essential for children’s social, emotional, and imaginative development, may be overshadowed.

Heguru Method

The Heguru Method, developed by Japanese husband-and-wife team Hirotada and Ruiko Henmi, is an innovative and comprehensive early childhood education program that aims to maximize children’s potential through a holistic approach. This method incorporates various techniques, activities, and strategies to stimulate brain development, foster critical thinking, enhance creativity, and promote a love for learning.

The Philosophy

The Heguru Method is rooted in the belief that children possess incredible learning potential during their early years. It is designed to optimize brain development by providing stimulating and enriching experiences. The method focuses on developing various aspects of intelligence, including logical-mathematical, linguistic, visual-spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences.

Flashcards

Flashcards are a fundamental component of the Heguru Method. They are designed to capture children’s attention and present information in a visually stimulating manner.

Music

Music plays a significant role in the Heguru Method, as it is believed to enhance memory, concentration, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Right Brain Exercises

The method incorporates right brain exercises that aim to develop photographic memory, rapid image recognition, speed reading, and other cognitive abilities associated with the right hemisphere of the brain.

Physical Activities

Physical activities, such as dance, movement, and yoga, are included to promote gross motor skills, body awareness, coordination, and concentration.

Advantages of Heguru Method:

Holistic Development: The Heguru Method emphasizes holistic development by incorporating a wide range of activities, including flashcards, to stimulate various aspects of a child’s development, such as cognitive, linguistic, and socio-emotional skills.

Whole Brain Stimulation: Similar to the Shichida Method, the Heguru Method aims to engage both hemispheres of the brain through its activities, including flashcards. This approach is believed to enhance the child’s overall brain functioning and cognitive abilities.

Multisensory Learning: The Heguru Method utilizes flashcards and other materials in a multisensory manner, appealing to different senses like sight, touch, and hearing. This multisensory approach helps reinforce learning and aids in memory retention.

Systematic Curriculum: The Heguru Method follows a systematic curriculum designed to progressively build upon previous knowledge and skills.

Disadvantages of Heguru Method

Limited Flexibility: The Heguru Method is known for its structured and tightly controlled curriculum, leaving little room for individualized or child-led learning experiences.

High Expectations: Similar to other accelerated learning methods, the Heguru Method sets high expectations for children to achieve specific milestones at a young age. This can create pressure on both children and parents.

Potential Overemphasis on Academic Skills: The emphasis on cognitive development and academic skills in the Heguru Method may overshadow the importance of other areas of child development, such as social and emotional domains.

Other Established Methods

In addition to the well-known methods and systems such as Shichida, Heguru, and Doman, there are several other established methods and systems that utilize flashcards as a learning tool. Here are of these alternative methods and systems:

Montessori Method

The Montessori Method, developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, is an educational approach that emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. It is based on the belief that children are naturally curious and capable of self-directed learning. The Montessori Method aims to create a prepared environment that fosters independence, exploration, and a love for learning. While flashcards may not be the central focus of the Montessori approach, they can be utilized as a valuable tool to support various aspects of learning.

The Traditional Method

The Traditional Method of education has been widely used throughout history and is characterized by a structured and teacher-centered approach. It focuses on the transmission of knowledge and the mastery of foundational skills through direct instruction. While the Traditional Method has evolved over time, it continues to be implemented in various educational settings. Flashcards can be incorporated into the Traditional Method as a valuable tool to support learning and reinforce key concepts.

Spaced Repetition Method

The Spaced Repetition Method is a learning technique that utilizes spaced intervals to optimize long-term retention and recall. This method is based on the understanding that information is more likely to be remembered when it is reviewed at specific intervals over time. In this article, we will delve into the Spaced Repetition Method and explore how flashcards can be used to enhance this learning approach. The forgetting curve, proposed by Hermann Ebbinghaus, illustrates how our memory of learned information decays over time. The Spaced Repetition Method aims to counteract the effects of the forgetting curve by strategically reviewing information just before it is about to be forgotten.

The Leitner System

The Leitner System is a popular and effective method for learning and reviewing information using flashcards. It was developed by German psychologist Sebastian Leitner in the 1970s and is based on the principles of spaced repetition and active recall. In this article, we will explore the Leitner System in detail, including its principles, implementation strategies, and the role of flashcards in this method. The Leitner System also operates on the principle of spaced repetition, which is the practice of reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals over time. Flashcards play a crucial role in the Leitner System, serving as the primary learning and review tool.

The HighScope Method

The HighScope Method is an educational approach that focuses on active learning and the development of key skills in young children. It was developed in the 1960s by David Weikart and his colleagues at the HighScope Educational Research Foundation. The Method emphasizes the importance of active learning, where children are engaged in hands-on experiences and direct interactions with their environment. This approach encourages children to explore, discover, and construct their knowledge through meaningful experiences. Flashcards can be a valuable tool within the HighScope Method, supporting the principles of active learning and child-centered instruction.

The Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy that originated in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World War II. It was developed by Loris Malaguzzi and the community of parents and educators in the region. The approach recognizes children as competent, capable, and full of potential. Children are seen as active constructors of their own knowledge, and their ideas, thoughts, and interests are valued and respected. In the Reggio Emilia Approach, the use of flashcards is not as prevalent as in some other educational methods. However, they can be used intentionally and in alignment with the approach’s principles.

My Take

Everyone is different, so what worked for me may not work for you. But let this be a starting point to create your own process. Keep in mind that what helps one child might not help another. You might find that one method works wonders. Read, research, and try different methods for a short time to see what works for your child.

This article touched on the Doman, Shichida, and Heguru methods, along with the Montessori Method and other alternatives. There are many other methods and systems available, each with its own unique approach. Take the time to explore them and consider what aligns best with your child’s needs and your goals.

Ultimately, the aim is to give your child a well-rounded education that supports their development in all aspects: thinking, socializing, emotions, and physicality. Mix methods, experiment, and find what works best for your child, making sure their learning journey is enjoyable, engaging, and tailored to their needs.

Some Resources

• For The Doman Method visit: https://www.domaninternational.org
• For The Shichida Method visit: https://shichidaeducation.com/
• For The Heguru Method Visit: http://heguru.com/
• For The Montessori Method Visit: https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/What-Is-Montessori
• For The Traditional Method Visit: https://www.itac.edu.au/blog/teaching-strategies/traditional-teaching
• For The Spaced Repetition Method Visit: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/23/spaced-repetition-a-hack-to-make-your-brain-store-information
• For The Leitner System Visit: https://universitycollege.okstate.edu/lasso/site_files/documents/leitner_method.pdf
• For The HighScope Method Visit: https://highscope.org
• For The Reggio Emilia Approach Visit: https://www.reggiochildren.it/en/reggio-emilia-approach/

Here are some books that you may find helpful in exploring the educational methods mentioned:

• ” How to Teach Your Baby to Read: The Gentle Revolution ” by Glenn Doman
• “Developing children’s intelligence and talents” by Makoto Shichida
• The Mystery of the Right Brain – Makoto Shichida
• Children Can Change Through Right Brain Education – Makoto Shichida
• Right Brain Education in Infancy: Theory and Practice – Makoto Shichida
• “Right Brain Education: Changing the World One Heart at a Time” by Pamela Hickein. This book explores the philosophy and techniques of the Heguru Method
• “Teach Your Child Math: Making Math Fun for the Both of You” by Arthur Benjamin
• “Montessori: A Modern Approach” by Paula Polk Lillard
• Drawing Out the “Genius” in Children (Hado Reading) – Ruiko and Hirotada Henmi
• Quantum Speed Reading – Yumiko Tobitani
• “The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
• “The Read-Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease