However, when children develop a love for learning, half the battle is won. There would be no need to force children to complete assignments or to pressurize them to study to achieve good grades. They would want to learn naturally, finding new information and discovering answers by themselves. Here are four tried and tested ways, based on my teaching experience, to cultivate the love of learning in children:
1. Create A Safe Space For Children To Ask Questions- Children have the gift of curiosity and they should be allowed to pursue it without the fear of being judged or scolded. Once they have this safe space, their quest for knowledge will be ongoing and limitless. In my classes, I welcome questions instead of shunning them. As a result, my students get into the habit of not just asking me but also their peer's questions and, hence, deepening their learning.
2. Expose Children To Different Outdoor Environments- Oftentimes, the outdoor spaces are the best classrooms, as learning becomes authentic when children are allowed to experience and interact with their surroundings.
3.The Power Of Technology- The saying “If you can’t beat them, join them” holds true in this case. We cannot stop the advancement of technology in our children’s lives, but we can sure tap on the variety of resources available online or in the form of apps to enhance our children’s learning. Today we use maximum technology for learning.
4. Most children love dabbling in different art forms- such as painting, sketching, music, drama and dance because it allows them to bring their imagination to life. Practising the arts not only improves the skills of the child but also makes them more sensitive to the world around them.
I hope these suggestions are useful for everyone.. It is my wish that schools, teachers and parents form solid partnerships to create learning environments to nurture the love of learning in children.
Prakash Dangi
The Fabindia School
pda@fabindiaschools.in