How to Motivate Your Child to Learn?
Becoming a strong learner goes beyond the walls of a classroom. Parents want to help enhance each child’s desire and ability to learn. Below are some important tips and strategies to motivate your child and help continue their love of learning:
1) Encourage open and sincere communication: As a parent, it is important to create a safe and open atmosphere for your children to express their thoughts and opinions. When children feel like they are unable to express themselves or not be heard, they are more likely to disengage from the learning process. Take the time to listen to what they have to say and let them know that their thoughts and opinions matter and have value. Use a reflective listening technique: Sum up their words in your own voice and express what they have said. Say it with sincerity instead of being a parrot. This acknowledging strategy allows them to know that you have heard them loud and clear!
2) Focus on their interests: When learning taps into a child’s area of interest, it can become fun. Encourage your children to explore subjects and topics that interest them. There are plenty of resources within our reach through online searches or at our neighborhood library. Keep your children engaged and ask them to share with you what they have been learning. For example, if your child loves robotics, have her write the assigned creative writing story integrating the robot in her written work.
3) Share your enthusiasm for learning: Learning is contagious, especially when enthusiasm is being shown. Children often mirror the actions and behavior of their parents. Express your reaction to your child. Did he surprise you? Did she make you laugh? Did he shock you? Did she make a connection that was surprising? If your child sees that you enjoy reading or looking at their homework or project, it will increase their motivation. Having you learn about new things and being open to new ideas, models that you are a lifelong learner as well. Be sure to take the time to discover new information collectively rather than taking on the role of teacher.
4) Make every day a learning day: Learning is ongoing, and each new day brings new opportunities to learn something new. Encourage your children to explore, ask questions, and make connections. Continue to help them think critically and develop a strong appetite for learning. You can post a discovery chart on the refrigerator door for the whole family. At the week’s end, it is great to reflect on all the wonderful things that happened the past week. Celebrate the wonders that you all experienced!
