Creativity in education is so important. We all want to ignite an interest in learning within our homeschools. Here are some ways to do that!
No matter if your homeschool approach is entirely child-led or more structured, most homeschool parents would like to possess the ability to persuade their children to embrace new concepts or practices.
Some children are keen and eager to try every new thing that comes their way. And some children require a little more coaxing. To begin with, no matter what you are attempting to lure your child into learning, the way in which you approach new things can make a big difference in the way it is received by your child. Approaching anything with a smiling face and enthusiastic mind can be crucial in capturing your child’s interest. Much alike when anyone approaches us in adulthood, we are more likely to gravitate towards those with a friendly demeanor than anyone a bit less captivating. So try to ensure that when making suggestions to your child, you appear as excited as you would hope them to be in return.
Most children are sociable creatures, and the influence of friends or people they look up to can be monumentally important in encouraging them to try something for the first time.
If your child is shy, it can be helpful to initially introduce them to classes or groups where they will see familiar faces, in order for them to gradually grow more confident in unfamiliar surroundings. Even discussing the activities and learning journeys of friends and acquaintances can aid in sparking your child’s curiosity. Children often experience the fear of missing out, so the knowledge that other children or family members are participating in something different can be a useful tool in the encouragement process.
Another helpful avenue to explore with your children is the road of possibility awaiting within each new study or acquired skill. For example, a child who is reluctant to try mathematical or scientific studies might be more interested if enticed by possible career paths within those areas. This can open a child’s mind to the fact that nothing is pointless, everything can evolve into something bigger. Thinking big and planting the seed of ambition can get your child excited about trying new things, or delving deeper into existing studies.
Including play in learning can also be helpful if your child resists formal learning. Allowing free play or imaginative play during studies will only boost your child’s enjoyment, and if the play is halted they might begin to disassociate that entire subject from being a positive thing to participate in, therefore increasing their reluctance. The same can be true of daydreaming. A pause for internal thought and reflection might spark more questions, which prompts more learning and exploration. If a daydream is interrupted with instructions such as ‘focus’ or ‘listen’, this can disparage the entire process you were aiming for.
If your child’s stubborn or reluctant nature proves particularly challenging when introducing them to new things, a reward system can be a savior. Providing options is vital. If you are encouraging your child to complete more written work, you could suggest they write stories, factual reports, poems, or even songs. You could ask them to regularly participate in this activity for a period of time, for example – twice per week for one month. At the end of this timeframe, they may choose a small reward, such as deciding where to spend a day out, picking a new game or toy, or a visit to their favorite restaurant.
No matter how you proceed with influencing your child’s learning journey, fun plays a big role. Instead of getting caught up in the pressures or expectations of educating your child, remember to enjoy the journey.
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