Encourage an Interest
Pay attention to when your child begins to show an interest in a particular topic. When you encourage learning about an area of interest, you are teaching how to learn. Helping your child learn about a specific topic also shows your child that what is important to them is important to you too. Here are some ways to get started teaching your child how to learn:
Go to the library: The library will have many books on the topic of your child’s interest. It is a great place to begin. It is also a great way to encourage your child to read. Even a reluctant reader will pick up a book in an area of interest. Some libraries also have DVDs that you can check out.
Plan a field trip: You could take your child to a museum, movie, play, concert, or children’s learning center. Find a place that has some hands on interaction with what your child is interested in. It will make a trip to a museum a positive learning experience!
Enroll in a class: Does your child like art? Enroll him in an art class. Does she like a sport? Find a team. Does dance or theater interest your child? There are many children’s programs that cover these areas too.
For example…
My son loved watching the garbage man come pick up the trash cans on Friday mornings. His favorite character on Sesame Street was Oscar the Grouch, because he loved trash too. We encouraged this interest and helped him to learn about garbage, recycling, and landfills. I took him to the library to check out books and DVDs about garbage. My husband arranged for him to have a tour of the local landfill. My son owns a fleet of garbage trucks, and can tell you the different models, makes, and companies that are on the different trucks. By encouraging his interest, we have tried to teach him how to learn.
I know that my son’s interest in garbage is shared by other children. So, he and I have put together a Garbage Store of tested products for those who love the garbage man!
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