Toddlers and preschool children are naturally very inquisitive. They want to explore their surroundings and discover new things. They soak up new information like a sponge.
But when kids get a little older, they’re often much more intrigued by phones, tablets, and TVs than they are by textbooks and school classes.
That’s when a parent’s help can make all the difference! With the right techniques and motivation, you can help kids to learn about school subjects in a way that’s exciting and engaging.
Here are some top ways to get your children more interested in learning at any age:
Delve into Their Passions
Every child has a unique set of interests and passions. Figuring out what these passions are is key to keeping your child engaged.
Learning is enhanced when there is a genuine interest in the subject. So, how can you discover your child’s passions? The best way to start is to try out lots of different subjects.
Teach your child some the basics of biology, chemistry, and physics to see what area of science your child finds most interesting.
Integrate arts and crafts into their play to see whether they have a creative flair, or a passion for painting. Make math more fun with math board games.
Watch your child to see what naturally captures their attention. What do they enjoy watching or reading?
It’s also important to chat to your child and ask them what they’re interested in, whether that’s standard school subjects like math and science, or other interests like cooking or sports.
Make Learning Fun and Creative
One of the main reasons that kids don’t enjoy learning is because they find it boring. Finding new and exciting ways to help kids to learn is key to keeping your child interested.
Even the traditionally ‘boring’ subjects, like mathematics and science, can be exciting if you think of creative ways to incorporate learning into playtime.
When kids explore using physical touch and sensory play, they’re more likely to remain engaged. They are also more likely to remember all of the new things that they have learned.
That’s why one of the best things you can do to help kids to learn is provide hands-on learning experiences for your child.
Try science experiments at home to spark their interest in science. There are lots of different at-home experiments that are safe for your child to try out.
Use crosswords, puzzles, and drawing games to help your child learn new words and facts. Make up a song or write a fictional story with them to spark their creativity.
When it comes to interactive learning, the options are pretty much endless. There are so many different ways to make learning fun and exciting!
Discover Your Child’s Style of Learning
Just as every child has a unique set of interests, each child also has a unique style of learning.
There are four generally recognized different types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. Each style has value, but if your child prefers one particular style, try to focus their learning around this.
Children are much more likely to stay engaged in learning when they are able to explore in their preferred way.
Visual learners learn through watching videos or looking at images. They tend to have great memory skills and are very observant.
Visual learners will likely thrive with activities like learning math online, since online platforms offer a variety of visual learning tools, including interactive tutorials, educational videos, and visually engaging graphics.
Auditory learners prefer to listen and learn. They might enjoy listening to podcasts or online classes, or may enjoy learning through music.
Reading/writing learners prefer more traditional educational methods when learning, including reading books, taking notes, and making lists.
Kinesthetic learning involves physical movement, such as dancing or playing sports. They enjoy sensory play and touching things to learn more about them.
Set a Great Example
Children learn through observation. They will watch what you do and mimic your behaviors.
That’s why being interested in learning yourself will encourage your child to be more intrigued in their own learning.
Consider investing in your own learning as a way to set an example for your child. Enroll in an online course, or take a class nearby to show them that you are also constantly learning, even as an adult.
Even taking up a new hobby sets a great example for kids. Show your child that you are constantly developing your own passions, and they’ll be encouraged to do the same.
With a little encouragement, helping kids to learn doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, finding fun and engaging methods of learning may even help you bond more with your child!
Just remember, with the right learning style and some hands-on activities, even the most boring subject can come alive for your child!