Motivation… The Key to Your Child’s Educational Success

For the first year or two of life outside the womb, our brains
are in the most impressionable state they will ever be in. A
baby’s brain is immediately shaped by interacting with their
environment. As a parent, one can have a large influence on
their newborns first encounters with learning.

The mind learns optimally when appropriately challenged in an
environment that encourages taking risks. However, under
perceived threat, the mind does not perform as well. This makes
it harder to learn when you are nervous, stressed, or not
feeling well.

Before a child learns to talk, they experience emotions.
Emotions are another source for improving memory. People are
better at recalling stories that held strong feelings. The
emotional context plays an important role in the learning
process. People with excellent memories have multiple interests.
We naturally remember what we are interested in. As a parent, it
is crucial to teach your child the value of learning.

Motivation is the key to learning. You can help your child to
discover this thirst of knowledge before they even enter school.
Here are some key steps in preparing your child to be a stellar
student:

1. Fill your home with reading. Read to your child daily. Fill
your home with reading material such as novels, newspapers, and
educational magazines. A child is influenced by their
surroundings. When a son or daughter sees a parent reading at a
young age, it makes an impression. As parents, we can foster
that with a love for learning. Parents are the most important
modeling agent in a child’s life.

2. Encourage your child to explore his or her interests. If you
have a son who loves animals, offer him some educational books
about animals. If he’s young, allow him to explore the world Of
the National Geographic Magazines. You could also direct him to
some websites that explore animal facts. You’re enthusiasm over
your child is motivation in itself.

3. Provide play opportunities that offer different types of
learning styles. Play is one of the most powerful vehicles
through which children master new skill, concepts, and
experiences. This will help them solve the challenges they meet
in school. Through the use of blocks, your child will develop
his or her creative expression and problem solving skills. A
cash register would help them recreate their own experiences.
However, boxes of various sizes can be great toys that encourage
your child to be creative in his or her creations.

4. When your child starts school, make sure that they are
organized. An organized folder lends To an organized mind.

5. Celebrate achievements. Reward your child for large and
small achievements, whether it’s finishing a book or completing
a major assignment in school. Positive reinforcement encourages
a child to continue to challenge themselves.

6. Use everyday event as learning opportunities.Encourage your
child to explore his/her world. Continually ask questions and
make connections that build upon their existing knowledge. The
brain learns through associations.

As a central role model, moms and dads have the responsibility
to create an environment that fosters a love for learning.