The first five years of a child are considered to be the most crucial part of their developmental stage. These early years lay the groundwork for future learning. This is when children are more receptive to learning because of their rapid brain development. While this is true for young kids, not everyone is born to be good learners. It boils down to one’s individuality and willingness to learn. Read on and learn about some helpful strategies to motivate your child to learn.
Strategies to motivate your children to learn
As parents, we want to make sure our little ones are able to maximize their learning potential. However, the mindset of young kids, especially toddlers, is focused on play. But don’t worry. There are plenty of ways by which you can boost your toddler’s enthusiasm and ability to learn.
Create an atmosphere of reading
Kids who develop a love for reading at an early age are said to be lovers of learning. Those who are struggling with reading also struggle with learning. As a parent, it is always an excellent idea to encourage your children to learn how to love reading while they’re young. This is something you can do by filling your home with reading materials.
Create a reading corner for them with a variety of printed materials like books, posters, picture books and so on.
Also, it is important that you take time to read to your child on a daily basis. Read to them aloud for at least 20 minutes and make it a daily habit. Make it more fun and exciting instead of boring. This way, you can awaken their love for reading and develop good readers.
Encourage meaningful conversations
A home should be a comfortable place for children to express themselves. Create the kind of atmosphere where your toddler can freely express what they like and don’t like.
Encourage them to share more by paying attention to what they say and validating them even if you disagree.
Ask for their opinions on things and encourage them to make decisions even when it comes to the tiniest of things. Make sure they don’t feel judged, discouraged or misunderstood.
Show enthusiasm for their interests
Learning becomes even more fun for children when they are focused on subject areas that interest them the most. Discover the things that fascinate your toddler.
Are they fond of learning about colors?
Do they like looking at photos of animals in books?
Are they more inclined to music and dancing?
If you find them interested in a certain topic, encourage them to continue exploring and learning by providing them with materials that talk about these things.
If it’s about dinosaurs, introduce them to the different types of dinosaurs then ask them later on to name each one or pick their favorite.
Share your passion for learning
When your toddler witnesses your passion for learning, they are more likely to become more enthusiastic about learning, too. It doesn’t matter what topic it is.
As long as they see how you never stop discovering and seeking knowledge, they are most likely going to follow the same path.
Make learning more fun and exciting
Because toddlers and young kids always love to play, it is best to be creative and explore learning opportunities in games and play.
There is a wide variety of toys that you can use to encourage your toddler to learn.
From blocks and puzzles to kid-friendly video games, learning can be something your child will always look forward to if it is play-based.
Celebrate achievements and progress
No matter how small they may be, it is vital for parents to celebrate the progress of their children. If they learned how to recognize colors or letters, make sure to praise them.
Provide positive reinforcement consistently to continue to motivate them and challenge them to do better. Using rewards and prizes at times is also an excellent idea.
There is no such thing as learning too soon. With the help of this guide, you can encourage and motivate your toddler to become passionate in learning.
Here at Launchpad Early Education, we value the importance of a child’s holistic learning. Make sure your little one is set on the right path for success by choosing the best early childcare for them. Please feel free to give us a call for more information.
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