One of the most common misconceptions is that something is wrong when a child is not motivated to learn. The truth is that children are taught how to learn through the ways education is portrayed for them.
Something to keep in mind is that learning takes place in many environments. There are many ways to enhance their desire and ability to learn. Keep reading for 4 ways to motivate your children to learn. 
4 Ways to Motivate Your Children to Learn
Focus on Your Child’s Interests
Interest-led learning is taking the lead in being one of the most used homeschooling methods today. Why? Simply put, parents are beginning to see their children flourish when they are learning about things that interest them.
When your child is able to help choose what they want to learn, not only does it give them a voice, but it also sparks their motivation to learn. Parents are also finding it easy to use their child’s interest to study a wide variety of subjects, topics, and concepts.
If you can motivate your child because of their love for dinosaurs, you may just be surprised at how you can use that topic for reading, language arts, science, geography, and history! That’s several subjects crossed using one topic, all while keeping your child motivated and engaged in the process.
Focus On Your Child’s Strengths
It’s so easy to point out the bad, and work incredibly hard to strengthen that area. However, what if you focused more on what they are doing right? Same as adults, it adds to their motivation tank. You may think that ignoring their weaknesses won’t help, but it most certainly can.
In some cases, a child’s weaknesses are gradually worked on through their strengths. Intertwined in this is also acknowledging and celebrating their achievements. This not only motivates them to continue working hard, but also builds their academic and emotional development.
There are times when weaknesses need to be worked on; however, they don’t have to become the center of their education. Finding that balance is key.
Make Learning Fun
There are a number of ways to make learning fun. From using platforms like YouTube and Netflix to games and toys – learning doesn’t always have to come from a textbook. This also goes hand-in-hand with keeping your child’s interests in mind.
Perhaps your child is the outdoorsy type. Use that to his/her advantage. Have them do activities outside. Take nature walks. Or even let them choose. If they like video games, consider using them for certain subjects. The possibilities are endless. If your child is more creative, here are some good tips to inspire creativity in your children.
Try Different Learning Styles
While there are different types of learning styles, rarely will you find a child who learns one certain way. Some children learn best doing something one way for awhile, then switch as they get older. Your child may also show different learning styles for different subjects.
For example, your child may like to use notebooking for Science and Geography, and worksheets for Language Arts. I recommend going with that instead of trying to force one method all across the board.
Overall, motivating your child to learn can look many ways. The idea is to get them to love learning without it feeling like a huge mundane task. The earlier they can understand the purpose of learning, the better.
Our best advice is to not limit your child to one set way of learning. Give them a voice by listening to what interests them. And when all else seems to fail, go where your child’s needs lead.
CHIME IN: What are some ways you motive your children to learn? Share with us in the comments below. Your response could give someone else ideas!
Leave a Reply