Most parents want their children to be successful in school. “You can make a big difference in the attitudes your children have about school and learning,” according to Donna Donald, Family Life Field Specialist. “If you are constantly learning new things, you are modeling to them that learning is an ongoing and enjoyable experience.”
Mrs. Donald encourages parents to make their home a learning place. “Show your children you love to learn and involve them in fun and interesting learning experiences. Read books and magazines. Take classes. Talk about things that interest you -- gardening or fixing cars or baking. Encourage your children to develop hobbies that will help them learn and feel successful. Woodworking, drawing, even collecting bugs can encourage their creativity and spark an interest in learning.”
Parents can tell their children about new and interesting things they learn and ask them about the things they learn in school. During meal times family members can talk about things they’ve learned recently. “Ask your children what questions their teachers are raising in class,” Mrs. Donald says. “Notice your children’s interests and praise them for what they are learning.”
Keeping many good books in the home also is encouraged. Some can be bought cheaply at used book stores, library sales or even garage sales. Talk and ask questions about things you see on television. But also turn off the TV and make quiet time for reading.
Ask your children questions, for example, ‘How do you feel about that?’ ‘What do you think that means?’ Listen carefully to what they say. “When children are involved in talk about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of things, they are more likely to become active thinkers,” Mrs. Donald says.
Another good learning experience is writing letters. “With very young children, let them tell you what they want to say, and write it for them. Provide paper, crayons and markers and encourage them to make signs, to draw, to scribble and to write,” Mrs. Donald says.
Everyday situations can help children understand math. Mrs. Donald says to ask them to help you count. Play with adding and subtracting things, dividing into groups, and other math concepts.
As children get older they can take more responsibility for their own learning. You can help them by asking questions and providing learning opportunities and resources. Mrs. Donald says parents should encourage children to think, to listen, and to follow directions.
“Support your children in their school reports by helping them find and use resources and find interesting ways to complete assignments,” Mrs. Donald says. “However, don’t do their work for them -- that sends the message ‘I don’t think you can do this.’”
Mrs. Donald says you can also help your children by being understanding when they experience failures. “Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone mispronounces a word. Everyone fails in something once in a while. It helps children when you offer understanding and support. It discourages them when you expect perfection.” And, above all, Mrs. Donald says, make learning fun and interesting.
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9/25/2007