Follow the Leader: Letting our Children Play a Role in their Learning

As parents, we are naturally inclined to take on the role of Guide, when it comes to our child's learning journey. After all, we have taught them everything they know, up until now. We taught them all of their new skills, from infancy. Because of this, it is oftentimes hard to let that go.

In our eagerness to facilitate learning, we often overlook a crucial step- understanding how our child in particular, would learn best. When this happens, we come up against roadblocks, frustrations, and anxiety, around our child's progress.

I am here to tell you that there is a better way. It doesn't have to be like this.

The hard truth is this: Each child is unique. They each have their own strengths, interests, and learning styles. What works for your neighbour's child, may not work for yours. What a child can do on an Instagram page, may not be something your child is ready for, just yet.

So, how can we release the reigns, and empower our child to learn in their own way?

One possible method is to tune into your child's individual needs and preferences. By doing this, parents (and teachers) can create a more engaging and effective learning environment.

Let's dive deeper into why this approach is so impactful.

• Tailored Learning Experience: When parents follow their child's lead, they can tailor the learning experience to suit their child's interests and abilities. For example, if a child shows a keen interest in art, incorporating artistic activities into their learning routine can make the process more enjoyable and meaningful for them. Instead of writing letters over and over again, maybe child would find more joy in drawing pictures of objects that start with that letter? Maybe they would like to decorate a giant letter and create a book of letters (as they learn each one). This personalized approach fosters a positive attitude towards learning and encourages children to explore their passions.
  

• Enhanced Motivation: Children are naturally curious and motivated when they are engaged in activities they enjoy. By observing what captures their attention and sparks their curiosity, parents can leverage these interests to fuel their child's motivation to learn. Whether it's through hands-on experiments, educational games, or real-world experiences, aligning learning with a child's interests makes them more eager and enthusiastic about acquiring new knowledge. Maybe your child would much rather go to a zoo and search for animals that start with the letters of the alphabet sounds, then look in a book or on a worksheet, about that very thing.
  

• Increased Autonomy and Confidence: When children feel empowered to direct their learning experiences, they develop a sense of autonomy and confidence in their abilities. By allowing them to make choices, set goals, and take ownership of their learning journey, parents nurture important life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and self-regulation. This autonomy instills a sense of pride and accomplishment, motivating children to take on new challenges with resilience and determination. Can they be a part of creating the schedule for the day? Can your child organize and decorate their learning environment? What if your child chose which letter to work on and in what order?

• Diverse Learning Styles: Children learn in diverse ways – some are visual learners who thrive with visual aids and diagrams, while others are kinesthetic learners who learn best through hands-on activities. Some are auditory, and others do best while reading and writing. By observing how their child absorbs information most effectively, parents can adapt teaching methods accordingly. This flexibility ensures that children receive instruction in a manner that resonates with their unique learning style, leading to deeper understanding and retention of concepts. Perhaps your child loves workbooks and writing on paper. Then do more of that. However, maybe writing makes your child shut down. Could you do some visual matching first? Could write in a fun way like in the sand, or with shaving cream? Maybe they can create letters with play dough?

• Stronger Parent-Child Bond: Following a child's lead in learning fosters a deeper connection between parents and their children. It shows that you value your child's interests, opinions, and contributions, which creates a supportive and nurturing environment for learning. Engaging in collaborative learning experiences, exploring new topics together, and celebrating achievements as a team, strengthens the parent-child bond and fosters open communication.
  

• Promotion of Lifelong Learning: When children experience learning as a dynamic and enjoyable process tailored to their needs, they develop a positive attitude towards learning that extends beyond formal education. You can model this for them as well. Illustrate ways that you are learning every day. What are you doing to learn more? Where do you get your information from? What have you learned today? Children will better be able to become lifelong learners who are curious, adaptable, and eager to explore new ideas and opportunities, when they see that you are doing just that in your own life. This knowledge will equip them with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
  

Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in shaping a child's learning journey. By embracing the philosophy of following a child's lead, parents and teachers can create a learning environment that is engaging, personalized, and empowering. This approach not only enhances academic success, but it also nurtures essential life skills and fosters a lifelong love for learning.

Let's support our children in discovering their passions and unlocking their potential, as we guide them on a rewarding journey of growth, discovery, and shared experience.