Eager to Learn
By
Dr. Lorraine Cassista

      A few years ago, I read that only 3% of the American population owned a library card. I found this astounding and quite troubling. With the information age upon us, there has never been a time in history when learning and staying abreast of the latest information has been our “most valuable currency”. Learning is a lifelong process and does not end when we finish school. As any of you in the job market know, progressive learning is vital to employment. It also helps keep your mind active and “young”.

     One of the most fundamental aspects of learning is the ability to read. It is estimated that 80% of the books read in this country are read by 10% of the people. Many children choose to watch television, play video games or chat on the phone or computer instead of reading. Getting your child to read may be an arduous task. What we choose to do with our free time can have a tremendous influence on our desire and motivation to learn. Engaging in passive activities such as those listed above does not stimulate much in the brain in the way of using our capacity to think. You have about 100 billion brain cells, yet most of us use less than 10% of our brain capacity.

     How can you motivate your child to learn? It’s relatively easy until your child reaches school age because small children are naturally curious. Once in school many factors can diminish a child’s interest in learning. Too rigid a schedule, material that is too difficult or boring, a poor teacher or too many distractions in class or at home can interfere with motivation to learn. To compensate for any number of these problems, instilling in your child a true desire to learn for its own intrinsic benefits is the best bet. Giving them a reason why learning math, science, history, etc. is important is vital to true learning. Showing them ways in which these subjects affect us on a day to day basis gives the material more relevance.

     Being an active role model and sharing the value of learning with your child is extremely important. Children do learn best from their parents! Let your child see you reading, balance your checkbook, engage in a hobby and solve problems. Encourage them to join you when you do these things. Ask for their opinions. Sharing times together by cooking a meal, writing a poem, reading a story, playing a strategy game or sharing a hobby can be quite rewarding for both of you and help instill a love of learning.  

     Listen to your children and let them know you are confident in their abilities to make good decisions. By encouraging responsibility within sound guidelines and allowing age-appropriate decision-making, you help your child set his own pace and learn from his mistakes. If grades are a problem, ask your child what he/she needs or wants to make learning more fulfilling and successful. Genuinely praise your child’s efforts if he has worked hard and diligently. Persistence, even if the achievement is not great, that is rewarded with respect will enhance your child’s character and confidence.

     Expectation is half the battle. When children are expected to learn effectively, they are more likely to take on that role. When it comes to homework, one of the worst things a parent can do is to do the homework or project for them. If you don’t let your child struggle with problems and do the work for him/her, he learns he is not capable. Offer suggestions or ask questions that may lead her to solve the problem herself. Teach children how to look things up and where to find it. A truly knowledgeable person does not know everything, but knows how to find the information she wants. Remember physical labor has its own rewards, but what you do with your mind has no limits!