Many parents want their children to enjoy school and have a great enthusiasm
for learning. Some don't realize that the little actions they take every day
can have a big impact on how their child feels about learning and even how they
approach going to school and other aspects of their education. Consider these
creative activities to help nurture your children's love of learning.
Children need to feel confident. Mastering something can help increase your
kids' confidence by leaps and bounds. Introduce a small problem to each child,
then encourage them to solve it. It can be something practical and simple such
as whether you should use a resealable bag or glass jar to store something in
the fridge. Alternately, it can be a story problem.
Be patient as your child tries to solve the problem, praising effort and
pointing out the little victories along the way. Accentuate the progress your
child makes. Offer positive reinforcement and reassurances until your child has
solved the problem. Then, when they do, make a big deal out of what a cool
achievement that is.
It's never too early to start talking about the books that you read to your
kids. If you know a bit about the story or some pertinent background to the
book that your children will appreciate, talk about it before you start the
story. Also, ask your children open-ended questions to encourage a discussion
after you've read a book.
Start a notebook where you write about fun facts you can share with your
kids. Before picking them up for an activity or sharing a meal, look at the
latest fact you've gathered. Then, start a conversation by telling your child
about the fun piece of information you've learned. It can then foster an
in-depth discussion that can help your kids with critical thinking skills.
When possible, look for facts that relate to something else that has popped
up in your lives. For example, if you watch a movie about sharks, you may look
up information about sharks that will really capture your kids' attention.
Sharing a fun fact at the right moment can also encourage you and your child to
simply have a fun conversation together.
One way to help books come alive for your kids is to take them to locations
where books are set. You may do this before or after reading a book. The
experience will probably be more fun for your kids if they read the book first,
then get to visit a locale. Consider books set locally or choose a book set in
a place where you plan to spend your vacation.
Children may be more likely to engage with the educational activities that
an area has to offer if they are already interested in the location. For
example, if you read your kids Anne of Green Gables
before you take a
trip to Prince Edward Island, they are sure to be interested in seeing museums
dedicated to the story and the author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
You may be surprised at how many toys are based on great children's books.
You can find toys that are inspired by characters in fiction online or even in
your local box store. Make your child a small gift pack that includes a book
and old-fashioned toys that are based on the character or story. That can
encourage your child's imagination and make them eager to read the story.
Finally, the best way to encourage a lifelong love of learning in your child
is to set a great example. Talk with great enthusiasm about your own love of
learning. Also, choose a school that supports this attitude. Contact the caring
team at the One to One
Learning Center
today for more information about our educational center
with programs for all kinds of learners.
