How to Teach Children to Love Learning 

If there’s a greater gift than that of knowledge, we’re yet to hear about it. Indeed, once a child has developed a thirst for learning and a love of knowledge, they’re likely to carry those traits with them for the rest of their life. Of course, if a child embraces schoolwork –– or simply cultivates their own natural curiosity –– they’re much more likely to find success as they grow older. The only problem is, some kids don’t like going to school, studying for tests, or viewing educational content. Fortunately, adults can help kindle an appreciation for education in young children. Consider these four innovative ideas to get your little one to love learning:
 

Interaction is Key

Humans are social creatures –– and children especially need to feel like they’re a valued member of a group. As such, educational techniques should address your child’s needs rather than ignore them. It’s no wonder kids don’t like being stuck in a room by themselves with a dusty old textbook when their friends are outside playing or engaging in other activities. With that in mind, it’s a wise decision to encourage your kids to join study groups. Also, when all else fails, consider playing the role study-buddy yourself. You might learn something valuable too!
 

Dial Down the Pressure

It’s easy for adults to think kids are carefree all the time. However, that’s simply not true, and many children suffer from anxiety and depression. Constant tests, appraisals, grades, and criticisms will do little to alleviate an already fragile psyche. Instead of pressuring your children to succeed, reward them for their good efforts. What’s more, you can also use poor results to teach valuable lessons –– so long as they carry a positive spin.
 

Focus on Practical Application

Children are generally more perceptive than most people realize. In other words, they know when they don’t have to pay attention. If you really want to help your kid enjoy educational material, give them real-life examples of why certain subjects are important. If you can make a child understand how they can use math to calculate their favorite baseball player’s batting average, for instance, then you’re well on your way to helping them in a more meaningful way.
 

Don’t Go Overboard

Maybe your child already has a passion for reading, history, or science. If so, fantastic. Do note though, it’s crucial not to quash your little one’s interest in a subject by throwing too much at them too quickly. Children who want to learn about lab equipment like a capmat or sodium fluoride tubes are rare, but they do exist. So while it’s critical to nurture a passionate child’s interests, it’s also imperative not to go overboard. At the end of the day, you need to let your kid enjoy childhood and goof off from time to time; it may be just as important as hitting the books, all things told.
 
What are your favorite suggestions for teaching children to love learning?
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