All parents dream that their children learn easily and with interest. But what to do if lessons turn into a daily battle, and their grades leave much to be desired?
The secret lies not only in the abilities, but also in the skills of effective learning, which can and should be developed so that the child can find himself in a rapidly changing world. Let’s look at them in this article.
The foundation for successful learning
Do not rush to take on complex formulas and cramming paragraphs. It is important for a child to start by learning basic study skills:
- Attention. The ability to concentrate on the task at hand and not get distracted is the key to learning.
- Reading and word processing. The ability to comprehend what you read, emphasize the main points, and take notes is the foundation for success in all subjects.
- Logic and critical thinking. The ability to analyze information, draw conclusions, solve problems will come in handy not only at school, but also in life.
In order to develop skills faster, it is important to immediately reinforce the mastered theory with practice. This way you will be able to determine which of the skills is sagging and where you should focus your attention. Do not overload the child with a huge amount of information – give it dosed, but regularly. For example, to learn a foreign language may be enough 10-15 minutes a day, provided daily lessons.
Why does the child does not want to learn?
Laziness – an excuse for … lazy? No, behind the laziness lies something more, namely the fading interest and lack of motivation. For many children, studying becomes something like a boring duty, in which they do not see the point. Remember: your baby willingly went to the first grade, but after a while there were crankiness and unwillingness to learn. There are many reasons for such changes: failures, criticism from parents or teachers, problems in relations with classmates.
Very often the starting point is an unsuccessful comparison of the child with other children. The fact that Vanya or Katya have better grades and prettier handwriting will not make Masha try harder, but, on the contrary, will stop her.
Often behind the laziness hides fear. The child is afraid to do something wrong, to make a mistake, to seem stupid. Therefore, sometimes it is easier for him to do nothing and do not try, so that failure will definitely not happen.
How to interest the child?
Here are ways that can help to awaken in the schoolchild’s thirst for knowledge:
- Turn learning into a game. Use brightly colored aids, invent interesting tasks, organize quizzes and contests.
- Show the practical benefits of knowledge. Explain how they will be useful in life, connect the educational material with the child’s interests.
- Create a comfortable environment. A cozy workplace, a clear daily routine, support and praise are important ingredients for successful learning.
Give new meaning to old, boring activities and stimulate intrinsic motivation. Ask your child to think about why he or she needs a new skill, and remember to remind him or her about it afterwards.
How to motivate your child to learn?
Motivation is a key factor in successful learning. To keep your child interested in learning, it is important to:
- encourage his/her interests related to academic subjects;
set achievable tasks; - praise for effort and small victories, not just excellent grades;
- share success – discuss your child’s accomplishments, even small ones, at a family dinner or during a walk.
When a child sees that learning helps him develop and achieve what he wants, he will be more enthusiastic about it.
Learning to learn
In order for a child to learn successfully, memorize and apply knowledge effectively, it is important to help him develop the skills of planning, analysis and responsibility.
To do this, you need to be able to allocate your time and prioritize your time. This is the foundation of successful learning.
Help your child:
- make a to-do list for the day or week;
- determine for themselves what is most important to do first;
- learn to set aside time for studying, recreation, and entertainment;
- prepare for lessons in advance, not at the last minute;
- keep his belongings and workspace in order.
This will help him not to miss anything important and not to overload himself, as well as gradually form a responsible attitude to the learning process.
Remember: parents and teachers play a key role in shaping children’s positive attitudes towards learning. Encourage, inspire and help your child to reach his or her potential, and then learning will become an exciting journey into the world of knowledge rather than a heavy responsibility.
