Even though the classroom is a child’s primary source of social and academic growth, it doesn’t mean that learning should stop at its four corners. To develop a child’s desire to learn, learning should extend beyond what an academic institution can offer.
When a child is limited to learning only within the walls of a classroom, both the teachers and parents are making a big mistake, especially if the little one is a good learner and has the potential to develop.
While it’s true that a child’s innate personality plays a big role in their desire to learn, a parent’s guide and motivation can also increase their eagerness, even if they are in the comfort of home.
Listed below are tips and strategies that will motivate your child to learn.
Practice reading
When a child develops a love for reading, they develop a love for learning while those who struggle with reading, struggle with learning. At the very least, reading is one key to success.
Adults will take reading for granted but for children, it’s a broad learning curve. It helps them develop a richer vocabulary and teaches their brain to process concepts and communication.
At home, create an environment for reading and practice regularly reading habits and routines. Ready to the child frequently, let them read out loud. Fill your home with reading materials such as posters on the wall, magazines, novels, and newspapers.
It is important that you make sure that your child understands how important reading is. If you want your child to be a good reader, make sure that they are not finding the action frustrating. Let them pick their own books, help them read, and create activities that make reading fun.
Encourage communication
Encourage your children to talk, express, and share their thoughts and opinion about their education. They must be comfortable in sharing their likes, dislikes, and concerns. Validate their feelings, even if you disagree.
When a child feels invalidated, they’re most likely to disconnect themselves from the learning process. One characteristic of good learners is knowing their opinion matters and that they can be open about their feelings regarding their education.
Don’t focus on performance
This is a very common mistake. Don’t ask your children their score on their recent tests, instead ask them to teach you what they learned. Focus on what they learned instead of their performance.
By doing this, you are teaching your children that their actual learning is more important than grades and that results are not the most important thing. By asking them about their learning experience, you are helping them recall their lessons and activities of the day with their own words.
Focus on interests
Learning is fun when a child is interested in the subject matter. As a parent, encourage your children to explore topics that excite them. If they like animals, help them find learning materials about animals then challenge them by asking their favorite animals and why.
Acknowledge achievements
No matter how small it is, recognize and celebrate your children’s achievements, especially elementary-age children. Children at this age need constant positive reinforcement to keep them motivated and challenged to learn.
As a parent, it is your job on how to strategize this technique. If done wrong, it could backfire and your children might expect treats at everything they do. If they finish a difficult project and they deserve a special treat while doing well on a math test get a quick ice cream trip.
Every day is a learning day
It sounds a bit much but it’s not. Learning is not limited to sitting down, reading, solving, and studying. It could also be exploring their surroundings, asking questions, socializing, and making connections. Help your child be critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and decision-makers.
