Every parent is obsessed with the desire to provide the best to his child.
Most believe that a great part of their responsibility gets over when their child gets admission to a good school. After that, it is for the school to impart knowledge in a graded manner.
The schools do more. They not only provide information about subjects but also help the child to grow into a complete individual.
However, no learning can be complete without the involvement of the parents. The parents too need to motivate their children to learn.
For instance, the reading habit may be inculcated at school but it must be nurtured at home. You must establish a family reading time and take turns reading to your children.
Get various newspapers, novels, fiction, posters, and placemats with words. Children pick up the reading habit faster when they live in an environment where reading is the family culture.
You should encourage your child to express his opinion and feelings freely. Allow him to make choices and take decisions on his own.
Understand his viewpoint and way of thinking. For instance, ask him to select the plates or cups for a children’s party.
A child who learns to make decisions at home can take initiative also. This will enhance his self-esteem and confidence. In school, he will be an active participant in various activities.
Show enthusiasm in the activities the child likes. You should help him to explore it further and exchange information on a regular basis.
This will increase your child’s knowledge. To help him, you can gather facts on the subject of his interest from an encyclopedia or the net. If he remains focused on the same subject he can choose it as his career also.
Play way is the best method to teach. Provide him with opportunities to play to learn. It can start with listening and visual learning to sorting and arranging sequences.
Games like blocks have the advantage of doing more than one thing at a time. They teach management skills, creative expression, and problem-solving skills.
There are scores of daily activities that can become a source of learning.
Even an activity like gardening can be converted into a learning experience when you teach your child the name of a gardening implement or names of flowers. There is no better way to learn than the informal way.
You also need to ask him about what he is learning in school. Do not speak about grades as that might put him on the defensive.
Teach him essential organizational skills and help him organize papers and assignments properly.
When a child achieves something, such as completing his project on time or getting good marks, celebrate it as an occasion.
This gives the child the feeling of being successful. And as the saying goes success begets success.
Similarly, focus on the child’s strengths and work on them.
You can tackle the weak points gradually. However, you should appreciate his every effort and encourage him all the way. Learning thus becomes a lifetime process.
