Well, well, well! It is really wonderful that you are an affectionate parent, waiting to read about the way to flash the very special and personalised cards to the little one. “But is MY kid ready for it?” is your question now.
Well, any child between 9 months and 4 years is the most suitable candidate for flashing cards. (Of course, Dr. Glenn Doman of The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia, USA says that the new-born could as well be trained to ‘focus’ on the periodical flashing of mega-sized cards.)
And now, HOW do you flash the cards?
Are you as relaxed and happy as your baby? Then, seat him facing you, in a comfortable place that has good lighting. Hold the cards on one hand and place them one upon the other for your child to watch. You should wait ONLY ONE second before you place the next card. As you place the cards in rapid succession - which is what is called “flashing ” the cards- call out what is written on them. This way, your child will see and hear the word flashed.
As the flashing is swift and also as the total time consumed is nothing more than five seconds, ( and remember - it is all done when you and your child are in a joyful spirit ) the whole experience turns out to be simply exciting for your child!
So, what’s next?
Flash the cards for five seconds, three times a day for four days. Even as you flash for the seventh time, more than two words would be very familiar and gratifying to your child! By the tenth session, even before you call out, you would catch him screaming aloud the word in excitement , just as he has the glimpse of it!
Here is a set of rules that you should ALWAYS remember:
The DO’s:
1. Always shuffle the cards and change the order of flashing. This will make your child observe and READ the card and not just memorise by sequence.
2. Always flash the cards instead of prolonging and showing them (till YOU are satisfied that he has certainly seen the card).
The Don’ts:
1. Never force the child to the flashing sessions: It is absolutely necessary that BOTH OF YOU are in a HAPPY MOOD, looking forward to this delightful act of togetherness.
2. Never test the child - just because YOU want results. (You wouldn’t want someone test you, but trust you - isn’t that right?)
Very soon, you may agree that ‘The Child is the father of the man’.