Learning is not only about school or education. You learn every day in your life, relationships, and career. Therefore, it becomes necessary to instill a love of learning in your kids. When your kids are babies, they are curious. They grab everything, want to see everything, and want to learn.
However, this curiosity can start to disappear as they age. It is not good, as it can lead to them being dreadful towards learning, school, and other things. In this competitive world, they cannot afford to lose their natural curiosity. Thankfully, parents, teachers, and tutors can help them retain their love for learning.
Start when they are little. As they graduate to first grade, they will retain things better. So encouraging them to learn at this stage is easier. With a few tips and tricks, they can keep their curiosity alive. Want to know what these are? Read below.
Read and read
One of the best ways to stimulate a first-grader’s interest is to read. It encourages them to learn while activating their imagination. It is best to start reading to the kids when they are infants. Parents should read them every night, as it helps children learn new words sooner and better.
Teachers and tutors for 1st graders should always give them one page to read every day and read with them too. It not only helps them learn English but also be better at math. Reading not only increases their vocabulary and creativity, but it also teaches them so many things.
They learn about cultures, traditions, and more. So, parents and educators alike should focus on reading. Kids are like supercomputers and can grasp much more information than you think possible.
Provides hands-on experience to the child
Learning everything, in theory, does not help. There is a need to teach the kid practically to keep their interest in learning intact. For instance, if the syllabus teaches the kids about aquatic animals, either the educator or the parents can take the kids to the aquarium.
It allows them to see the animals in person and learn more details about them firsthand. Similarly, if they are learning Greek history, expose them to more books, museums, and shows that provide relevant information.
Let them express their opinions and emotions.
Kids have so much to say and express. Often, educators or parents stop them from voicing their opinions, intentionally or unintentionally. Telling them not to cry is an unintentional way of making them not voice their emotions.
When you let them do this, they participate more in class, discussions, and activities. It encourages them to voice their opinion and be better at expressing emotions. Thus, they learn better and retain it too.
Make lessons fun
Kids dread learning if it is boring or monotonous, especially as young as first grade. That’s why making lessons fun makes them interesting for the kids. For instance, the tutors can use visual aids to help them learn math or even history. Educators can use songs or music to teach English rhymes and stories to kids. Even parents can be creative while teaching their children about plants or other things.
Determine the learning style of the child.
This tip is specifically for parents and one-on-one tutors. Every child is different and has a learning style distinct from others. Finding that style is imminent, as it allows them to learn better. For example, a child may learn the alphabet better when you sing it. Another student may find it easier to remember when they write it. Finding their unique learning style and using it ensures their curiosity to learn never wavers.
Always be supportive
Educators and parents both need to support and encourage learning. The goal is to keep their learning spark alive. It is not only about what they learn. If they fail on their first try, demeaning or scolding them will not help. It will only make them dread learning. Instead, be supportive, and it will work wonders.
To keep their curiosity alive, everyone must contribute. Do not think it is the job of educators only. Parents need to work too, and they will follow your example more. So, do research together, support them, read, and let them voice their opinions.