Homeschooling - How to Motivate Children to Learn
By Diana Dahl
The concept of homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular among parents. It remains a relatively new concept when we consider acceptance on a large scale, and many parents are trying it on a trial basis. Teachers are trained to make learning interesting for children, but some parents find it difficult to keep their child intrigued in every academic subject. The question undoubtedly arises: How can I make homeschooling interesting to my child?
One thing parents must keep in mind before devising any method of teaching is that everything is new for a child. Children are eager to learn new things and to experience the world around them, so take advantage of it! With creativity and presence of mind, parents can kick start their child’s education by motivating them to learn. Getting your child started on the right educational path takes insight into your child’s personality and character.
Parents need to discover what specifically interests their child. Some children like to “get their hands dirty.” From planting gardens, learning automobile mechanics, or cooking an ethnic cuisine, these children learn by doing. Some children like to “sit back and relax.” By listening to classical music or watching a video on Ancient Rome, these children learn through audio and visual capacities. Some children are introspective and learn best by examining a situation, reflecting on the experience, and relating it to their own lives. These children might keep a diary and enjoy drawing. Other children are social in nature and learn best through group projects, from church plays to the soccer team. As a parent and an educator, your best bet at success in homeschooling is to explore your child’s personality and learning style, and cater your teaching to meet their creative needs.
Ideas that can make home learning fun and interesting:
* Children love field trips! Take your child to the market or grocery store and explain the different products and how they are used. Explaining how transactions are performed at the checkout is a great way to teach your child about math. A trip to the beach can easily become a physical education by playing in the sand or swimming, or it can become a science lesson on marine life. Going to the zoo is a great way to motivate kids to learn about animals. Homeschooling doesn’t have to always happen at home!
* Keep it stimulating! Make the school environment exciting with bright colors, engaging age-appropriate books, or even a makeshift playhouse for learning about families and running a home. Hang your child’s work on the walls when they do well to show you are proud of them. Tailor your child’s learning space to motivate and stimulate them on a regular basis.
* Tell stories! Every new subject or concept can be made into a story that can be shared with your child, a technique proven in teaching young children. Tell your child a story, have the plot or outcome pertain to a certain subject you’d like your child to learn, and discuss the story with your child when you are finished. This not only presents the content in a fun way that children relate to, but it also inspires discussion between you and your child.
* Use what you have! Daily lunches and nighttime dinners are great opportunities for lessons on health and cooking. Use candy or fruit as counters for teaching math. When your child scrapes their knee and you are bandaging them up, explain the benefits of medicine and washing your hands. When driving in the car, discuss rules and laws, why we have them and the consequences of breaking them. Invite friends and family members over to share their professions with your child. Remember, learning can happen anywhere at anytime with anyone.
Children are malleable, influential, and eager beings who desire new and exciting opportunities to learn. By tapping into their special curiosity and honoring their personality and character traits, homeschooling success is within reach. Just remember…keep it interesting!
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