Mission & Academics Blog
The Treasure of Family in Fostering a Love of Learning
With Grandparents Day coming up tomorrow, I can’t help but reflect on the importance of family - both grandparents and parents - in fostering a love of learning in their children. That incredibly important spark of curiosity lies in every child; family life is the perfect environment to kindle that spark into a bright flame of interest and enthusiasm for the wonders of our world.
Parents may ask how to ignite that flame for their children, but they can do it simply by demonstrating their own passion for learning - be it with projects at work discussed at the dinner table or projects at home to which they invite their children’s participation. Example is everything…children are constantly alert to their parents’ and grandparents’ loves and passions. They follow your lead and admire your enthusiasm and effort. Of course, they rarely say that aloud - but trust me, they are watching you. Never underestimate the power of an example.
Another simple way to foster enthusiasm for learning is to create a rich environment of age-appropriate books, puzzles, and crafts. Books, books, books—I just love them, and children will pick them up if they are around. Again, example is key. Do your children see their parents and other family members reading?
When it comes to toys, sometimes the simple things are best… like a magnifying glass and jar to capture a bug or perhaps a magnet to investigate what it attracts. My kids always loved a bucket or two and a trip to the beach for shells, crayfish, or even minnows. Making these small opportunities a part of your home and life opens kids’ eyes to the world and teaches them the fun of exploration. Screens just don’t compare.
Being open to questions and encouraging them is also so important. We want to stimulate that natural curiosity, never stifle it. In my experience, grandparents are the best at this. Perhaps they feel less stressed about time and are quite pleased to spend the extra minutes chatting with their grandchildren and answering all those questions. Don’t know the answers? No problem - looking it up together shows young children that you want to keep learning, and they should, as well. Have I mentioned the power of example?
Learning is always more attractive to young people (and adults) when delivered via story. Be a storyteller…again, grandpas and grandmas seem to excel at this, but we can all do it. Capture a child’s imagination with a story and turn them on to some piece of history or nature or science. Draw them in - and grow their attention span. It is exciting to observe their engagement and the sparkle in their eyes.
The secret behind all of these suggestions is the fun you will have as a family when you explicitly add some of these ideas to your life. Learning brings joy and enthusiasm to the entire family.
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Another simple way to foster enthusiasm for learning is to create a rich environment of age-appropriate books, puzzles, and crafts. Books, books, books—I just love them, and children will pick them up if they are around. Again, example is key. Do your children see their parents and other family members reading?
When it comes to toys, sometimes the simple things are best… like a magnifying glass and jar to capture a bug or perhaps a magnet to investigate what it attracts. My kids always loved a bucket or two and a trip to the beach for shells, crayfish, or even minnows. Making these small opportunities a part of your home and life opens kids’ eyes to the world and teaches them the fun of exploration. Screens just don’t compare.
Being open to questions and encouraging them is also so important. We want to stimulate that natural curiosity, never stifle it. In my experience, grandparents are the best at this. Perhaps they feel less stressed about time and are quite pleased to spend the extra minutes chatting with their grandchildren and answering all those questions. Don’t know the answers? No problem - looking it up together shows young children that you want to keep learning, and they should, as well. Have I mentioned the power of example?
Learning is always more attractive to young people (and adults) when delivered via story. Be a storyteller…again, grandpas and grandmas seem to excel at this, but we can all do it. Capture a child’s imagination with a story and turn them on to some piece of history or nature or science. Draw them in - and grow their attention span. It is exciting to observe their engagement and the sparkle in their eyes.
The secret behind all of these suggestions is the fun you will have as a family when you explicitly add some of these ideas to your life. Learning brings joy and enthusiasm to the entire family.
