The majority of good students do not begin as good learners. Of course, the individual personality of a child will affect the way they approach learning as a whole. However, this does not mean that children are born as good learners. It is something that is nurtured and built over time through the correct motivation and positive reinforcement. When it comes to the development of learning, one of the biggest mistakes made by both parents and teachers, is limiting it to the classroom. Whilst the classroom is usually the space where primary learning is practiced and delivered, academic growth should be extended further than the four walls of a class, to truly enhance your own child’s ability and desire to learn. This may sound daunting, but rest assured is quite simple to do at home with your child. Here is some advice from this private girl’s school in Hertfordshire on how to motivate your child to learn.
Develop a love and atmosphere for reading
There are many studies that show that reading can help lead individuals to success in life. Children who develop a love for reading from a young age, eventually develop a love for learning. Individuals that struggle to read, struggle to learn as well. Reading not only helps children to develop a strong set of vocabulary, but also helps their brain learn to process new concepts. The skills gained from reading extend further than you can ever imagine. Students that can read very well gain an enhanced ability to learn in every subject. In order to help your child develop a love for reading, make the world that they live in all about it. Read to them every single day. This can begin from the day they are born. Once they are old enough to read themselves, take turns and allow them to take part in reading too. Set up a cosy area dedicated purely to this activity. Creating the correct atmosphere for reading will show your child just how important it is. Be sure not to force it onto your child. If reading becomes a task that is frustrating, it will affect the way they learn. Focus on making reading fun and allow them to do the rest of the work.
Place your child at the front of the line
When it comes to learning, the majority of children only ever experience control, which can often lead to them withdrawing from learning altogether. Take a step back and think about it. How is it possible to enjoy learning if all you ever feel is control? Whilst traditional school systems are created to ensure students achieve a certain level of education, it doesn’t mean that you have to continue this teaching style with your little one when it comes to learning at home. Give your child the chance to control their own learning experience. Provide them with the opportunity to decide what they want to learn and how they would like to learn it. If the idea of learning in the garden seems exciting to them, go with it. If the activity you are practicing together is to help them work on their writing, allow them to choose the topic they write about. Small changes like this will make them feel as though they have a direct input in their learning.
Share your love for learning
Children love to follow in the footsteps of adults. Learning is something that is always being done, not matter how old you are. If you show enthusiasm for learning, chances are your child will too. Share your experiences and discuss what learning has done for you and where you would like it to take you.