Children are naturally curious as babies. Like sponges, they soak up new knowledge and are eager to learn new things. But this innate joy of learning is sometimes lost along the way as they grow older. Children should enjoy learning because it is fundamental to their growth and development. However, many kids end up dreading learning new topics in school. An apathetic attitude to learning affects academic performance and negatively impacts all areas of their personal growth. As they get older, this can lead to limited professional opportunities and low self-esteem.
When children enjoy learning and experience success, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem. This confidence will carry over into other areas of their life and help them tackle challenges with a positive attitude. It also develops creativity. Learning can be fun and creative, especially when it involves hands-on activities and interactive experiences. When children enjoy learning, they are more likely to be open to trying new things and exploring their own creative ideas.
At New Life Childcare near Choa Chu Kang (In Junction 10), we see how children who love learning are more engaged and motivated to explore new concepts and ideas. Learning is a lifelong process, and the earlier children develop a love of learning, the better prepared they will be for success in school and beyond. Children who enjoy learning are more likely to be motivated to pursue higher education and a fulfilling career.
New Life offers a positive learning environment. When children enjoy learning, it creates a positive cycle of curiosity, engagement, and achievement that can impact their lives. Here are seven tips to foster a love of learning in your child:
Encourage exploration
Encourage children to explore their interests and passions. Provide opportunities for them to discover new topics and areas of learning. Take them to museums and art galleries to expose them to different forms of art, history, and cultures. Encourage them to read books and comics to spark their imagination. The key is to provide a safe and supportive environment that allows children to explore their interests and passions without judgement or pressure.
Utilise the power of play
Incorporate play and hands-on activities into learning to make it more enjoyable. Use educational toys and games such as puzzles, science kits, and board games to engage children in learning. Sign them up for extracurricular activities and take your children on nature walks to explore the natural world and learn about plants, animals, and the environment. Allow them to participate in hands-on activities – cooking, gardening, and building projects can help children learn new skills and discover new interests.
Reward good effort
Recognize and praise children for their efforts and achievements. Positive feedback can encourage them to continue learning and exploring. When children express themselves through art, writing, or music, praise their creativity and originality. Acknowledge their perseverance and highlight their strengths. The goal is to provide positive feedback that encourages children to continue exploring and learning, rather than focusing solely on outcomes or results.
Set realistic goals
Help children set goals that are challenging but achievable and celebrate their progress along the way. Encourage children to identify their own goals and priorities, and help them define clear, practical goals they can track and measure over time. Remind your child that setbacks and challenges are a normal part of the learning process and encourage them to persist in the face of obstacles. This helps to build their confidence, motivation, and sense of accomplishment as they work towards their goals.
Define a purpose
Help children see the relevance of what they are learning to their everyday lives. This can increase their motivation to learn and explore new topics. Demonstrating the relevance of what they are learning is an important way to increase their participation and engagement. Relate topics to real-world scenarios, such as using maths to solve basic budgeting problems. Assist your child to see how learning can help them achieve their goals, for example, by showing how reading can improve their communication skills.
Harness benefits of technology
Use technology to make learning more engaging and interactive. There are many online learning platforms and educational apps available that offer interactive and engaging content for children of all ages. Interactive lessons in subjects such as maths, science, history, or languages are not only fun but also informative. For example, TED-Ed provides animated videos on a wide range of topics and Google Expeditions allows children to explore the world through virtual reality field trips.
Be a good example
Children learn by example, so make sure that you model a love of discovering new knowledge. Show your children that learning doesn’t have to be limited to school subjects by pursuing your own interests and hobbies. Share with them what you’ve learned and why you find it interesting. Make time to read for pleasure and share your favourite books and authors with your children. Through these examples, you can inspire your children to become lifelong learners.
Fostering a passion for learning requires a supportive and engaging environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and a love for knowledge. The process of learning and discovery continues through to childcare where children understand the world around them, develop critical thinking skills, and gain knowledge that will be useful throughout their lives.