Children today seem to be more obsessed with beating their high score on a game than they do with what goes into their heads at school. If you ask a child what their favorite time of day is, you’ll most likely hear: “lunch time” or “dinner time.”As adults, we can relate to that. But 15-20 years ago there weren’t as many distractions as there are today. There are so many more channels now on TV that fit the needs of everybody, there are more and more game consoles coming out each year so it’s understandable that some kids would rather watch a marathon of Spongebob Squarepants than tackle their Maths homework.
But as a parent, you have to encourage your kids to see the importance of being passionate about learning. Nagging them, or locking them in their room until they’ve finished all their work will definitely not help. You have to make it fun, and worth their time.
The passion and drive to learn are different from just cramming to get the grade they need to please parents or teachers. Those that develop an interest in what’s being taught in schools will most likely continue that thirst for knowledge later on in life, and that is a trait that will, again, most likely result in a successful career.
It’s challenging and rather useless, to ask a child to show more of an interest in something if they just don’t want to. They need to discover the importance of the term ‘knowledge is power’ and can do so without the need to nag them.
Here are some fun and simple ways and ideas to help give your child that academic kick up the behind they need.
Share your interests with your child and ask for their opinion
Whatever you’re passionate about or interested in life, ask for their opinion on it. You never quite know what their reaction will be to certain things, so it helps to give it a go.
As a parent, you already share a deep connection with your child, which makes it important to foster an environment where they can express their opinions freely. By refraining from passing judgement on their thoughts, you empower them to have confidence in their own viewpoints. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of them finding something valuable to pursue and follow. It’s crucial to nurture their individuality and encourage them on their journey of self-discovery and growth.
Ask them what they enjoy
Sharing your hobbies with children can be a fantastic way to bond, but it’s important to remember that they may not always share the same level of enthusiasm. While you may have your passions and interests, such as watching sports or reality TV, it’s important to gauge their interest and find activities that they genuinely enjoy.
Asking them about their favorite shows, books, or activities can help you discover common ground. Once you’ve identified their interests, you can further nurture their enthusiasm. For instance, if they enjoy watching rugby or football with you, you could suggest having a kickabout in the garden or encourage them to join a local team to make new friends and further enhance their skills.
By nurturing their individual interests and positivity, you can help them flourish and become more productive in various aspects of their lives. Remember, the key is to create an environment where they feel supported and encouraged to explore their passions.
Show them the wonderful world of books
If you’re an avid book reader, allow me to take you on a captivating journey through the wondrous world of literature. Imagine immersing yourself in the pages of a truly intriguing book, where your mind embarks on an enchanting adventure filled with fascinating characters, gripping plot twists, and vivid descriptions that transport you to distant lands and unknown realms.
As I mentioned earlier, in this age of technological advancement, it is crucial to teach kids the value and significance of a good book. Not only does it enhance their imagination, but it also helps them develop essential skills such as spelling, grammar, critical thinking, and creativity. By reading, children broaden their perspectives, expanding their horizons beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings.
Books have the power to ignite a love for reading that will last a lifetime, leading to a lifetime of learning, exploration, and personal growth. Let us join hands in fostering a generation of young individuals who treasure the magic of books and continue to pass on this legacy for generations to come. Together, we can create a world where books are celebrated, cherished, and embraced as gateways to knowledge, empathy, and endless possibilities.
Get creative when teaching
School can often feel like a prison. Sitting in the same seat, in the same classroom for five hours a day can drive anyone to boredom after a while.
Children get frustrated, and this impacts their desire to pay attention and learn. Some areas around the UK have introduced bespoke Eco-Classrooms for schools. You can read about this new and exciting method for yourself, but to put it simply – an Eco-classroom mixes things up a bit and keeps learning fun and exciting.
So there are some quick-fire tips on how to generate a passion for learning inside the mind of a child. It’s not easy, but the way to approach is to think like them to a certain extent. If you were a child, what would make you find learning exciting?
