Over the years of teaching Sunday school I have discovered that kids love to act out stories. Most of you probably knew that already...it takes me a while to catch on sometimes....
We have used this tool at home to help our daughter learn. It seems to reinforce the lesson and make it "stick". This must be because the child is actually involved IN it rather than just listening TO it. Of course they have to listen to it before they can act it out.
This has been most helpful with issues regarding behavior. Unless you happen to have a "go with the flow" kind of child, you will know that most kids behave better when they know what to expect and what is expected of them. I have seen this in my own daughter. After a disastrous first gymnastics class (dont make me tell you how badly she behaved) we decided to practice for next week (not before she was disciplined appropriately and apologized to her teacher). We did a whole class at home. I pretended to be the teacher and she was herself  We did "Hello how are you", stretching exercise, obstacle course, walking in line, having someone push in front of you, waiting your turn, following instructions, needing help, etc. This took some effort but it was fun for both of us...even little brother joined in. She then knew what to do in gymnastics and did very well next time. Since then we have practiced gymnastics on many occasions even though she is not in class anymore.
Practicing and acting out have also been beneficial on Sunday mornings when we practice being polite, friendly and respectful. I ask her what she will say when someone comments on her lovely dress or asks about what she did this week. Practicing in this way has been a real help since she used to hide behind my leg and not speak to anyone.
 During schooling time we have used the Abeka Character Development Visuals (large flash cards - found at abeka.com look under the 'Health' section in the online catalog). We introduce and review four or so during the week. I find this very helpful since there are certain manners I have forgotten or not thought of introducing yet. We will read the card, discuss the card and then act out the right and wrong ways to behave as discussed (we also add in some of our own ideas). For example, one card stated that when two people are talking you should walk around them instead of in between so as not to interrupt. We set up a teddy bear and I talked to him. She then came and barged right through the middle. "How rude!" I said. She then went back to her starting position and walked nicely around us, for which she was highly praised. I have to tell you, she just loves doing this and she REMEMBERS the lesson! Im sure many of you have already tried acting things out, but if not, I highly recommend it. To me this a very effective way to train a child. Instead of waiting for undesirable behavior to occur, you can simply teach the desired one in a fun way.
Hope this is helpful to someone,
Stacy
Please forgive my grammar and punctuation - I will be learning that right alongside my daughter!!! | 
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