SAEDNEWS: Parents who want their children to always succeed in learning and studying must first create motivation for learning in their children using appropriate strategies.
According to SAEDNEWS, None of us are born as perfect students from the moment of birth. Each person’s personality plays a significant role in their readiness to learn, but most children who are good learners still need to become good students. More importantly, any child who is motivated can become a good learner.
One of the biggest mistakes made by teachers and parents is limiting children’s learning to the classroom. While the classroom is the primary place for a child’s education, if you want to increase a child’s desire and ability to learn, their intellectual, social, and academic development must be nurtured outside the classroom as well.
For this reason, the strategies introduced in this section are designed to help you foster and enhance the joy of learning in your child.
Some believe that reading is the key to success in life. Children who develop a love for reading also increase their passion for learning.
Reading not only helps children build a broad vocabulary but also aids their brain in learning how to process key concepts. Children with strong reading skills tend to have better learning abilities across all subjects, including math and science.
Enhance your child's ability by encouraging them to explore and experience the world around them through reading. Try to dedicate 20 minutes of daily reading time for everyone in the household. Put newspapers and posters on the walls and read them together so your child understands that reading is a natural part of life. This activity is a key aspect of nurturing a child, and the quality of its execution will contribute to better cognitive development.
The key to developing and improving reading skills is to make it a fun activity and avoid letting it become boring. If children perceive reading as tedious, they will not only fail to improve but also suffer in their overall learning. Allow your child to read their own books.
Allow your child to express their thoughts about the learning process. Create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their interests or objections regarding their educational methods. When they speak up, acknowledge their opinions—even if you disagree with them.
When children feel that their opinions are not respected, they may become disengaged from the learning process. Children become better learners when they know they can express themselves freely without fear of being dismissed.
Every child has a unique way of learning. Some children are stronger in one particular style, while others may benefit from a combination of several styles rather than relying on just one. There is no single "right" or "wrong" learning style—each child's learning method is different. Help your child discover their preferred learning style to enhance their ability to learn effectively.
When children engage with topics they enjoy, learning becomes more enjoyable and exciting for them. To help your child become a better learner, let them explore subjects they’re passionate about and simply create the environment to support that exploration.
For example, if your child is interested in dinosaurs, buy them a book on that topic. Then ask them to name five dinosaurs they like and explain why they find those specific ones interesting.
When your child sees that you genuinely enjoy learning, they are more likely to develop the same enthusiasm. Whether your interest is in math, history, or any other subject, your excitement can inspire them to be eager about learning new things.
Seeing your curiosity and passion encourages your child to explore, learn, and experience exciting new knowledge for themselves.
Play-based learning is not a new concept; it has long been an integral part of child development and care. This approach offers numerous benefits, as it not only promotes deeper learning and the development of non-cognitive skills but also enhances a child’s motivation to learn.
When children actively engage in a game, their minds experience the joy of understanding a new system. Fun and interactive games inspire children to participate more eagerly in the learning process. Some games even involve individual or team-based competition.
In such competitive settings, children strive harder to succeed, earn more points for themselves or their team, and work to advance to higher levels—driven by the desire to achieve.
Game-based learning is an excellent tool for both parents and teachers to introduce new ideas, concepts, and knowledge to children, as it significantly increases their willingness and enthusiasm to learn.
Instead of immediately asking your child how they did on their math test when they come home, let them share what they learned in math class today. While performance matters, your emphasis should be on the learning process, not just outcomes.
Help your child understand that real learning is more valuable than test scores, and results are not the only thing that matters. By focusing on what they’ve learned, you reinforce and strengthen their understanding.
Assisting your child in organizing their papers, books, and assignments is an effective way to boost their motivation for learning. It’s natural for children to struggle with planning and organization, but if this continues unchecked, they may become overwhelmed, which can diminish their desire to learn.
Be patient and guide them in developing good organizational habits, which will in turn help increase their motivation to engage in learning.
No matter how big or small your child's accomplishments are, it's important to acknowledge and celebrate them. This is especially crucial for younger children in primary school, who need more encouragement to stay motivated in their learning.
For example, doing well on a math test could be a great reason to treat your child to an ice cream. Always reward your children for their successes, as it can significantly boost their motivation to keep learning.
As mentioned by Namnak, emphasizing a child’s strengths is a positive approach that supports their ongoing learning journey. In contrast, constantly focusing on their weaknesses can lead to discouragement, anxiety, and a lack of interest in learning.
For instance, if your child struggles in math, avoid criticizing them—instead, help them improve and recognize their efforts. At the same time, praise their success in subjects like science to keep their motivation high.
