ENCOURAGING CHILDREN’S INTERESTS IN LEARNING

Jessa T. Empalmado, LPT

Studies shows that kids tend to enjoy learning if we offer them things that arouses their interests. W e give them options such as studying with the help of diagrams or cartoon pictures. Draw mind maps or thought charts. Also, we should provide them with colored pens and encourage them to enjoy their studies. We must be creative to attract their attention and to review. Using a reward-based system and regular treats and days out is also highly encourage as that will make them happy. As we open ourselves to new ideas and new information we start learning and growing.

We should also Look out of their Interests in Education because the ideas of learning are different for every individual and the environment of learning that we provide should be relatively rigid. Give your children the freedom to follow their interests. Handle their test anxiety patiently and avoid taking an angry approach. This will divert them further from studies.

We also need to consider their curiosity. We must encourage their curiosity as we know that they are always curious about everything that surrounds them. Their growing years are all about what, why, and how. Good parenting can harness their curiosity, motivate children, and give the right direction. Provide them with the freedom to find answers on their own. Allow them to wonder about topics independently. Answer their question with a question that motivates curiosity. This will engage our kid’s mind, and they will be curious to study more things. Parents should not get irritated over our children’s’ tendency to ask “why?” Remember, always answer with patience.

We must also minimize distractions. As technology resides with us, we need to make sure that our children don’t spend much time on mobile phones. Minimizing distractions will help them focus on their studies. W e can also provide them with the new concept of e-learning which videos and games will make our children understand topics.

Having a very positive mind set is also crucial. Staying Positive and focusing on the strengths of our children can build things rather than weaknesses. Promote a positive learning approach that emphasizes on capabilities. If our children are not interested in a particular subject, find another way to seek their interests. For instance, if the child is weak in Mathematics, follow approaches that are different from the traditional ones. Watch videos on the internet, or teach them while playing and reinforce them positively such as buying them chocolates. Similarly, if the child is interested in language and writing, encourage him/her to learn more about it. This will promote progress, and the child will develop a sense of self-belief that will lead him/her to seek other realms of knowledge too.

Lastly, learning together is a fun way of learning for our children. Just like the family that eats together, celebrates together, learn together. Reading exciting books, watch documentaries on exciting subjects, go to museums and the zoo will help our children to have a broader perspective in life and can Harnish their potential at a very young age. W e must show enthusiasm towards learning new things and explore education tools and our children will follow our path.

The author

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is a Licensed Professional Teacher from Pambujan Northern Samar.