How to Inspire a Love of Learning in Your Child

 

Photo by Alexander Grey

 

As a parent one of your greatest wishes is likely for your children to develop a lifelong love of learning. Encouraging a passion for learning not only helps them to succeed academically but it also fosters critical thinking, curiosity and creativity all at the same time. However, not all children are naturally inclined to enjoy learning especially when it is structured in a classroom or on a test. 

 

It is up to you to help your child develop a deep love of learning. Here’s how you can keep things off.

Create a Positive Learning Environment

A child’s surroundings can really influence their attitude towards learning and you need to make sure that you are paying attention to this in a big way. You want to create a positive learning environment at home that provides them with a space that is conducive to their focus and creativity. 

 

This doesn’t mean that you have to have build a study. There’s no need to go overboard, a quiet corner with uncomfortable seating can work wonders and explode the creativity of your child.

 

If you do have to create some kind of learning space in a corner of one of your rooms, it is a good idea to make sure that it is free of distractions such as loud music or even television. 

 

Instead, you should fill it with resources that will stimulate the brain in a good way. This means you can put our supplies, education games and even books in the space so that your child can be transported to a world of learning whenever they enter the corner.

 

Make Learning Fun and Relevant

 

Learning doesn’t have to be some boring task that feels like a chore. This happens when it is confined to homework and textbooks. 

 

The best learning is going to take place outside of the traditional classroom for your child. You can make learning fun for your child by incorporating hands-on activities, games as well as play. Make sure that you are targeting your child’s interest and Imagination. For example, playing games like mahjong can encourage cognitive skills such as memory and pattern recognition all while your child is having fun.

 

You should also make learning an event in everyday life. This is how you’re going to have the most fun with your child. If your child is learning about planting flowers in school then take them to a Botanical garden or better yet start a little garden of your own in your backyard. 

 

This is going to go a long way in giving your child that concrete experience that cements information in their mind. By connecting new knowledge with experience, your child is more likely to see the value in what they’re learning at any given time.

 

Encourage Questioning and Curiosity

 

Children are going to be naturally curious and one of the best ways to foster a love of learning is to encourage that curiosity as much as you possibly can. Whenever your child asks a question, take the time to explore the answer together. 

 

Be like Dora the Explorer in that moment and dive deep into a topic. Show them that learning is about discovery and that it is okay not to have all the answers right away. It encourages them to be inquisitive when they see something new and forces them to think about how they can dig and solve problems.

 

Try asking your child open-ended questions that are going to stimulate their mind and develop critical thinking in them.

 

Lead By Your Example

 

Children learn a lot by observing the adults that are in their lives. If they see you engaging in activities that are going to promote learning then they are going to do the same as well. Consider watching educational programs, reading books or solving puzzles. 

 

They likely follow suit as well. You can also share your learning experiences with your child. Whatever you find mind-blowing, share it as long as it’s age appropriate. This could be a new recipe or something about our hobby that you are exploring. 

It could even be about an article that you found interesting. Whatever it is, don’t keep it to yourself, share it and let your child enjoy the wonder of it with you.

 

Ensuring that your child is always using their mind in a creative way is very important. It will help them to navigate the challenges and problems that they face in life in a creative way this will certainly make finding solutions a lot easier.