How to Improve Learning in Children

You can create a home and family environment that supports and encourages learning and education. The philosophy and attitude your child encounters at home can improve his learning skills just as much as what he learns each day in school.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Educational toys and games
• Chess or checkers
• Puzzles
• Books
• Computer

1. Perform learning activities with your kids by taking them to museums, aquariums, zoos and library-sponsored events.

2. Make sure your child is enrolled in the class or school that is right for him. Your child may need to be in an advanced class or at special learning school. Make sure he is in the environment where his educational needs can be met.

3. Hire a tutor for your child if she needs it. Tutoring can work wonders for a child who is struggling in a subject, or it can help a child advance more quickly in a subject in which she is proficient.

4. Buy educational toys and games for your children. Give them art supplies, games that require role playing or acting, and board games that involve matching and counting. Encourage them to play checkers and chess and work puzzles.

5. Set aside a time for reading every day. Take children to the library and the bookstore to pick out books. Set an example by sitting down and reading with your children.

6. Point out to your children that math is used in everyday situations. For instance, help them notice the serving and nutrition notes on the cereal box. Discuss with them the measurements---pound, quart, gallon, ounce---they see at the grocery store. Let them help you pump and pay for gas.

7. Limit television watching. Set a rule that all homework and a set amount of reading must be done before the television is turned on. Encourage your children to watch educational programs.

8. Get involved with your child's classroom. Support the teacher. Volunteer to help out in the classroom once a week. Go on field trips. Ask your child's teacher for suggestions on learning activities you can do at home with your child.

9. Encourage questions. Let your child know there is no such thing as a dumb question. If you can't answer a question, work with your child to find the answer at the library or on the computer.

10. Encourage positive self-talk for your child. If your child says, "I'm stupid" or "I'm dumb," praise his efforts to learn. Tell him that frustration is a normal part of the learning process. Stay with him and talk to him about finding another approach to the problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Having classical music in the home is sometimes recommended as a learning tool because anecdotal studies have found that listening to classical music can improve brain function.

References

• How To Improve Your Child's Attitude Toward Learning
• Practical Tips To Help Your Child Learn Better

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