Every educational system sets a more-or-less strict framework for learning that works for the majority of kids. However, plenty of children stay outside of that box, either because they acquire knowledge differently or because they have trouble adapting to the school environment.
This is where parents can play a tremendous role in teaching children how to learn, using both conventional and unconventional approaches.
This article will outline the five simple ways to motivate your kids to learn.
1. Let Them Speak up
When you know how your children think and what they like, it’s easier to organize activities in line with their interests and preferences.
So, follow your kids and their affinities from an early age. Knowing what inspires them and makes them happy when they’re still toddlers is fertile ground for shaping their learning style as time goes by.
As they expose their abilities over the years, you’ll identify their strengths and weaknesses. In turn, this will help find the best path for their personal and educational development, without too many dead ends.
2. Go with Different Learning Styles
Listening to your kid’s preferences and needs will help you understand how they learn.
There are four main learning styles, i.e., types of learners:
● Auditory learners
● Visual learners
● Kinesthetic learners
● Learners via reading and/or writing
Most children combine some of these learning styles, but in most cases, one style prevails over others.
Find out which of these learning techniques your kid prefers. Help them “translate” materials presented via other learning styles to their preferred one(s) to stay motivated for learning. For instance, you can help a visual learner by turning a dull chunk of text or an audio lesson into graphs, illustrations, and posters.
3. Arrange Real-World Learning
Some children never get used to school-system learning because their brains get stuck from all the formalities. Such learners usually blossom when they get an opportunity to learn in a real-world environment.
For instance, a kid who reads slowly or can’t focus on long audio lessons will probably have poor test results. However, such a kid might steal the show when they have a practical lesson in nature, park, or any other outdoor venue.
While teachers have a certain role in identifying this type of learner, parents are the key to success for such children.
So, take your kid to the countryside or the local park to let them develop and confirm their practical skills. For example, put up a tent together, collect firewood, light a campfire, feed the animals, and do any other activities that your real-world learner revels in.
By bringing learning outside, you’ll broaden your kid’s horizons and show them another dimension of learning. It can be a learning-boosting lesson for life.
4. Encourage Open-Form Learning
Most school exams come in the form of ready-made questions or pre-made tasks with a limited number of correct answers. The great benefit of being a parent is that you can go beyond that.
In other words, encouraging open-form learning will spark your kid’s creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Let’s say that your kid wants to learn the flags of the world – you can use their Legos to make some simpler flags together. And if you have toy cars, group them under those Lego flags by country of origin. You’ve just used their toys and made a fun and creative learning activity that will keep your kid interested and motivated.
5. Help with Formal Education
No matter how creative and open-minded parents are about motivating their kids to learn, there’s one crucial thing to remember: your children need to understand that one part of the learning process will always be formalized throughout their education. From the preschool age to the end of secondary school, they’ll take numerous official tests and exams to get various certificates.
These formal learning milestones are usually the hardest challenge for parents in terms of children’s motivation. It’s possible, but it takes some parental commitment and involvement.
So, ask your child if there are any difficulties in the learning process, especially before important tests. Let them know they can talk to you if they need any assistance.
You can actively participate in preparing them for these milestones, from helping your kid boost their study skills for the Cognitive Abilities Test in primary school to revising educational materials with them for high school exams.
Together with buying additional educational materials and ensuring private tutoring when necessary, you’ll boost your kids’ motivation and self-confidence when they know you’re by their side.
During all this time, make plans with your kid about things you’ll do together once they finish their exams. This combination of your involvement and their committed work should work wonders for their motivation.
Final Word
Learning is one of our instincts for survival and progress. However, many children don’t like the formalized learning process, which results in poor motivation. This is where parents come in and help their kids recognize their strong points. They should take an active role in their children’s learning to help them overcome the obstacles and keep them motivated.
