Teaching Your Child A Commitment To Learning

All parents would agree that you can't "force" learning on your children. Creating a "house rule" that requires your student to love math or science or be passionate about his or her homework simply isn't realistic or reasonable. So, how do you instill in your child an enthusiasm for learning? Is it even possible to do so?

While there certainly is no single fool-proofed method of parenting that will guarantee a child's success in school, there are several ways for parents to create circumstances that promote optimum learning for their children-both at home and in the classroom. Here are a few pointers for helping your child develop a commitment to lifelong learning.

HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN MORE ABOUT SUBJECTS HE OR SHE LIKES. If your child shows interest in a certain subject at school, encourage him or her; get your child involved in a related activity. Remember to continue pursuing your own pastimes, as well; show your child that you, too, are excited about learning.


GUIDE YOUR CHILD TOWARD AS MANY "AHA!" MOMENTS AS POSSIBLE. It feels good to "get" something on your own, no matter what age you are. Like good teachers, coaches and mentors, parents can empower their children to explore their own minds and discover their own answers. Rather than reading a science concept to your child and hoping he or she will comprehend it, ask your child to try his or her best to explain the concept to you. Rather than supplying your child with the correct answer to a math problem, so that he or she will not make a mistake, let your child attempt the problem first, even if it means he or she will get it wrong. Then allow time for reflection, so that he or she can learn from the mistake. Be sure to offer positive encouragement every step of the way. It is important for children to learn independence and problem-solving skills, especially as they get closer to high school and take more challenging classes.

TREAT HOMEWORK AS MORE THAN A MEANS TO AN END. For busy families, nightly homework may feel like a task that neither parents nor children have time for. However, remember, in order to do well in school, it is imperative that your child complete and understand his or her homework. Create a supportive, patient environment for your child by fostering curiosity and exploration. The process of learning assigned homework is just as important, if not more so, as the finished product.

EXPOSE YOUR CHILD TO A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES. It doesn't take significant scientific research for you to know that every child is drawn to different activities and different learning styles. Provide your child with the opportunity to check out many things, including music, sports, theater, museums, art, dance, science, cultural activities, cooking and anything else you can think of. One child may be greatly impacted by attending a play, while another child may become fascinated with a science exhibit at the local museum. There are so much more to school and learning than textbooks and grades. A child feels supported and engaged will be more motivated to learn and, in turn, will be motivated to succeed in school.

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