The moment your child is born, he is learning! His eyes open, and he learns, “Wow, it’s brighter out here!” Then a baby learns to use his voice with a cry and then that Mommy’s arms and Daddy’s chest are the warmest, most perfect places to snuggle. Next, he learns that milk, either from a bottle or breast, is better than Heaven. Each sensation is brand new!
Unlocking your child’s learning potential happens naturally. Little ones innately absorb information through being in your home, in your kitchen, in your bathtub playing with floatie toys and in your bed while you read, sing and snuggle. They are sponges!
We all know children learn in different ways depending on their personality. My son liked playing with blocks and Legos and loved Harry Potter! He played every sport—baseball, football, basketball, soccer—and kept his mind occupied that way. His coaches at every age increased his learning potential. It helped that his father took him to MU games, and they watched every game on tv! He is now a safety inspector, overseeing buildings being built!
My daughter began listening to music, dancing, painting her room and singing. The Sound of Music, Annie, Alice in Wonderland—she learned every word and even acted as Alice in a play in high school, and in Annie at Starlight! All because I got her a little radio with cd player when she was young. And sang along with her and took her to plays She now sings in her church
As naturally as this learning occurs, the key is to encourage your child when you see his or her aptitude for something. Another key is to create a stable home environment. Children's abilities blossom when they experience a stress-free, happy and stable environment at home. Make sure you and your spouse maintain a cheerful disposition and settle your differences away from your child's eyes and ears. Let your child have lots of unstructured time to indulge in her hobbies. Invite her friends over, or even allow her to simply stare out of the window, engaged in deep thought. All these act as stress busters and creativity boosters.
Keep lines of communication open wide! Not only will it help your child connect with you, but also help him purge his emotional energy and formulate and express ideas. Ongoing conversations also provide you the opportunity to ask open-ended questions and better understand what is going on in your child's mind. Remember while talking to your child to speak slowly and use vocabulary he can understand.
Another key to unlocking learning is reading. Even with computers and their influence, nothing is better than holding a book in your hand. Begin the process of encouraging your child to develop an interest in reading early on. Try to spend at least half an hour every day reading together. You can read to your little one and, as your little one learns, take turns. Make reading fun and engaging by asking questions, eliciting your child’s opinion or engaging in a conversation about something that you have just read.
Writing things down is a skill that encourages thought. Even if children type words into their computer, it is writing. Encourage your child to express himself through writing. Ask him to write a story, compose a poem or keep a journal of what he does daily. While going through his writings, pose questions or give ideas on how he can do things better. Encourage him to share his writings in your social circles or get them published in the school magazine. The habit of writing will also reinforce the habit of reading.
As useful and entertaining as computers, smartphones or other electronics can be, limit the amount of time your child spends watching the screen and try to involve her in authentic activities, such as pretend play, arts and crafts or music. All these activities help children practice what they learn.
Naturally, all parents want their children to learn more than other children, but be alert to overloading. Entrusting kids with too many tasks can overwhelm and frustrate. Instead, give them more time to complete any activity or task you have assigned.
Good study habits make a difference in learning all through life. Establish a habit of completing schoolwork as a top priority to promote a healthy attitude towards studies. Explain to your child the importance of studying well. Involve yourself in his studies by regularly inquiring about how he is doing in his classes, helping with homework, attending parent-teacher meetings and volunteering at his school. Praise your child's efforts when he does well in his studies.
Although every child puts in effort to do well in studies, only those who study effectively see the desired results. Teach your child how to listen attentively in the classroom, take notes, memorize key facts and revise frequently. On that note, enroll in a good school. Schools play an important role in shaping a child's future. So, before you sign those enrollment forms, gather as much information as possible about the school. For example, how does it address the academic and emotional needs of a child, does it have resources to develop other talents your child may have and does it provide a safe and secure environment? Considering all these factors will help you make a good decision.
Schools do their bit to educate a child, but parents are the most influential teachers for their children, from birth to adulthood. Continue to cultivate that important role to play in helping your child unlock her learning potential. Encourage and motivate your child to put forth her best effort and let her know she can accomplish anything she wants.
Every child is unique, has a unique brain, thinks differently and, therefore, learns differently. As parents, we need to learn to let life happen and be alert to ways to guide our children’s growth and learning. If you try to put a round peg into a square hole, you know it won’t go right. The same is true of children. New ways are not bad ways. Scan books and podcasts from other parents who have been through what you are going through. Your child is destined to be an individual who loves life, finds his or her purpose and makes you proud. Sometimes, it causes sleepless nights, but as children grow, so do you.
That darling baby you rocked to sleep will find a place in this world. You will make sure of that.
Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
Sources: ParentCircle.com, TurboLearner.com