Cereal Box Syndrome –an effective way to teach

When my kids were younger, the teaching moments came often. The “Cereal Box Syndrome” idea came as a result of trying to figure out how to keep those teaching moments a part of their lives now they are older.

I write or type information on an 8 ½ by 11 piece of paper, slip it into a sheet protector, and tape it to the back of a cereal box. The “Syndrome” is the fact that: If there is a cereal box on the table, everyone who sits down will read the back.   I leave the box on the table for about a week…And then, I can ask each child if they have read the box and inevitably they have! We can discuss the information a little and then I know they have learned what I felt they needed to know.

Information on the back of the box might include:  a family daily schedule, favorite quotes/poems, character building stories, jokes, etc.  My favorite information to put on the box is a story about one of our ancestors. I keep it short and make sure it teaches a principle. Each person from grandparents to sixth great grandparents and beyond has some positive characteristics we can learn from. It helps children know where they fit into the world. I also believe our ancestors are close by and can give us strength. I am sure all children could use that extra aid.

And by the way, it made me smile that the pictures in this post were taken a half hour apart….different children–same table.  🙂 If there is a cereal box on the table, everyone who sits down will read the back.