Learning is an essential part of childhood and adolescence, but it can be challenging for some kids to stay motivated and engaged in their studies. That’s why parents seek guides on how to teach reading to children or ways to make maths more interesting. If your child doesn’t enjoy learning, don’t despair. In this article, we’ll discuss 8 things you can do to remedy the situation.
Find Out Why
Don’t be impatient with your child or jump to conclusions, such as accusing them of being lazy. Find out what’s going on in their life, so you can help them find solutions. Perhaps your child is feeling overwhelmed by bullies or peers. Talk to your child openly and regularly about any issues they’re having at school, and provide emotional support and understanding.
If your child’s struggling with certain subjects or has difficulty reading, it could be due to dyslexia or another related learning disorder. If this is an issue for your child, seek professional help. By providing them with access to appropriate resources at home or school, it’ll make learning easier for them.
Incorporate Technology
This is an increasingly important part of education, and it provides fresh ways to make learning more interactive and fun. There are many different types of tech tools that parents can use with their kids. They include:
- online educational games
- digital books
- apps
- using a tablet or laptop instead of paper and pencils
Online tutoring services can be an effective tool for kids who don’t enjoy traditional teaching methods. They provide one-on-one assistance, while allowing them to learn at their own pace from home. If your child’s teacher says kids should learn about the solar systems, there are websites providing relevant videos, discussions, vocabulary sections and reading materials. There are also DIY activity guides, teacher resources, quizzes and assessments.
Try Different Learning Styles
Visual learners thrive when presented with diagrams, charts, pictures, and other visual sources of information. Parents could provide flashcards with visuals, to help their child review material. Color coding information on note cards or in textbooks may also be helpful. Kinesthetic learners gain knowledge through action and movement. Their parents should create activities that involve building models or performing experiments. They could also read aloud while enacting stories.
Auditory learners benefit from listening and speaking activities such as:
- reading out loud
- narrating stories
- group discussions
- recording summaries of lessons and lectures
- writing songs related to topics they’re studying
- listening to audiobooks
Stay Connected To Your Child’s Teacher
You may need to set up a schedule where you can talk on a regular basis, such as once a week or month. This could be done via phone, video chat, or email. During these conversations, the teacher can update you on how your child’s doing. They can also answer any questions you might have about their progress and behavior in class.
Attending parent–teacher association (PTA) meetings allows parents to discover what’s going on in their child’s classroom and school environment. They also provide an opportunity for dialogue, and for parents to make a positive change.
Schedule Regular Breaks
Focusing on one task for too long can be overwhelming, and can lead to feelings of frustration or boredom. By taking periodic breaks, your child can have time to rest their brain before they return refreshed. To help your child stick with their schedule, plan out their break times in advance. Set an alarm or timer for each work session so that they know when it’s time for a rest.
During these breaks, your child may want a snack – or time to draw, journal or play. Don’t let these breaks drag on for too long, as this could impact your child’s focus and energy levels later in the day.
Let Them Lead
When it comes to learning, children need to be in control. Letting them lead can help them develop a sense of ownership and make their learning experience more enjoyable. Start by giving your child choices within the subject they need to learn. Let them pick an activity or method that best suits their requirements.
It’s important for parents to set boundaries, while still allowing children some measure of freedom. If you’re teaching math, let your child decide whether they want to use paper and pencils or a computer program for solving problems. However they choose to do it, you’ll still require them to do the work that’s been set.
Foster A Positive Learning Environment
Firstly, create a designated area for your child to focus solely on learning, and make sure it’s comfortable and inviting. Keep distractions like screens, toys, and other clutter out of the area. Make sure there’s ample light from natural or artificial sources, so they can focus on their studies without straining their eyes.
Your child’s education should never be reduced to a set of threats, arguments, confrontations and punishments. A better way is to provide positive reinforcement when your child succeeds at something new. Celebrate achievements with words of encouragement (such as, “I’m proud of you” or “Well done!”) and give incentives like rewards or treats for completing tasks or reaching milestones.
Make It Fun
As we said earlier, games can introduce new concepts in an interactive way. In turn, this encourages children to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. Additionally, introducing competition with games can add an extra layer of motivation for kids who are struggling with an activity or concept.
If you’re teaching your child about fractions, have them draw a picture illustrating what one-half looks like, or let them design a fraction board game. Children learn best when they’re given opportunities to express themselves and be creative. This builds confidence and helps kids stay interested in the material. Lastly, breaking down large tasks into smaller steps can make them seem less daunting and more manageable.
These 8 suggestions could make a positive difference to your child’s educational journey. They’ll enjoy learning as never before, and will get better results as a consequence. In turn, they’ll have a great start in life as they begin to dream about their future.
