As a parent, you are one of the most influential people in your child’s life, and you play a key role in the success of their education. With that said, it’s important for you to find various ways to help motivate your child to learn and inspire them each and every day. Of course, this is often easier said than done, so I have teamed up with an independent girls’ school in Buckinghamshire to share some advice.
Have a Positive Attitude to Learning
Show your child that you value their education by demonstrating enthusiasm where their learning is concerned. Ask them various open-ended questions after school each night, to show them that you care. Here are some examples of different questions you could ask, rather than sticking to the same old “how was school?” spiel:
- Which lessons did you have today?
- Which lesson did you enjoy the most today? Why?
- Which lesson did you enjoy the least today? Why?
- What did you learn about in Science/History/ICT?
- Who did you sit next to in English/Geography/French? What are they like?
- What did you do during your lunch break today?
Talking to your child about their time at school with a positive attitude will show them that you are excited about their learning, and you are keen to hear about their day. Avoid saying things like “I hated science when I was your age”, because that won’t motivate them.
Find Fun Ways to Learn
A great way to motivate your child to learn is to demonstrate to them that learning doesn’t have to be boring. Find some exciting ways for them to learn new things by playing educational games, visiting museums and galleries, and exploring nature. The things you teach them at home will give them the confidence to engage in classroom discussions, as they will be keen to share what they know.
Encourage Your Child to Read
Reading is an essential part of learning, as it helps children with their spelling and grammar, and allows them to learn new vocabulary. It’s also great for general knowledge, because books allow us to explore different worlds and events throughout history.
