One of the most crucial concepts kids should acquire early in life is the value of lifelong learning. It’s the pride of parents to see their children learn valuable lessons about life, whether in classroom settings, at home, or through their daily experiences. Fortunately, there are various ways to accomplish this.
Children who are taught to learn independently develop an appreciation for lifelong learning. It empowers them to recognize learning opportunities within and outside the classroom and motivates them to approach learning proactively.
Independent learners know that while working with others is important, working alone is equally valuable. They won’t need outside influences to get them to read a book or contemplate the stars, for instance.
Children have very absorbent minds, explains Montessori. Therefore, they must be taught about independent learning early if you want them to become independent learners as adults.
Here’s how you can encourage kids to be independent learners:
Reward Initiatives
Rewarding your child for doing something is one of the best ways to encourage them to keep doing it.
Please do not consider this a bribe; rather, consider it a motivation to encourage them to pursue independent learning. It might make it clearer to them that independent learning can be rewarding in and of itself.
You may reward them for taking the initiative by utilizing snacks, activities, or words of encouragement. Reward them for taking the initiative whenever they do anything commendable, no matter how small it is. You’ll inspire them to do it frequently.
Encourage Reading
Your child will benefit if you encourage reading from an early age. Most children associate books with school or education. People do go to school and read books to acquire knowledge. But kids must learn that leisure reading is equally important as reading for academic credit. Among other benefits, reading is said to help children develop their vocabulary and think more clearly as they age.
Try to determine your child’s interests at a young age if you want them to become avid recreational readers. It would help if you didn’t force them to read things they enjoy. Plus, it probably won’t work. Focus on what they are interested in. For example, if your child is interested in action figures and fictional characters, consider getting them material in that domain. They’ll be more interested in using and playing with those things.
Challenge Them To Ask Questions
Encouraging your kids to ask questions is one of the best things you can do to promote independent learning.
It is possible to develop critical thinking skills from a very young age. Even though kids might occasionally be easily distracted, you must find ways to make them think effortlessly.
The truth is that children are generally very curious. Some children are more naturally curious than others and don’t mind taking the initiative to inquire about things or do their research. Whatever your child’s disposition, encouraging them to speak out and ask questions helps boost their self-confidence.
Your child can develop critical thinking skills without you posing difficult questions or broaching difficult subjects. Try talking to them about things they’re learning in class. Ask them what they are learning, share your thoughts, and invite them to challenge it.
By doing this, you’re showing them that their opinion matters. To a young child, this can be quite empowering. They are inspired to think creatively and critically about their surroundings. That is a great recipe for becoming an independent learner.
Listen To And Share Stories
Children frequently get asked by their parents how their day was. Nevertheless, these types of questions rarely start an engaging conversation. To demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say, you should ask further questions and be more detailed.
For instance, you could inquire, ‘Who did you sit with today at lunch?’ Alternatively, ask, ‘Is your math teacher still arriving late?’ Such simple and engaging questions may prompt kids to share their stories. Why? Because they’re relevant to their worldview.
Furthermore, sharing any personally relevant stories would also be beneficial. You, as an adult, can and should share your own stories that you feel are pertinent. For example, children can learn from you and understand that having a terrible day is nothing to be ashamed of; it happens. But that’s not the end of the world.
Teach Time Management
It would be best to start teaching your children the value of time management early. Why? They will begin taking on more duties and responsibilities as they age. Every productive human being must be able to prioritize their time. It implies deciding what needs to be done first. Then complete the rest of the items on your to-do list in order of importance.
The problem you might encounter is that youngsters typically dislike being micromanaged or told what to do. However, as a teacher or parent, you must understand that it’s okay if kids still require encouragement to complete tasks.
Feel free to set up systems to empower them regarding finishing assignments, homework, or college applications.
For example, teach them to set self-reminders for the tasks they need to do. Also, you may put a rule that they’re only allowed to watch TV once specific responsibilities have been finished.
Conclusion
Independent learning is a valuable skill that will help your child through high school and college. Particularly at college, dealing with the numerous pressures (academic, financial, and social) that you will face can be difficult. However, an independent learning mindset will aid your success in college.
It is also necessary for leadership and management positions because they call for a proactive approach to almost everything. You can use the above tips to help your child become an independent learner. But note that the list is not exhaustive.
