Educational circumstances often change part-way during the school year. This can be challenging for families. Indeed, issues can arise relating to child development, programs, learning needs, assessments, decision-making, and more. Parents often encounter unanticipated situations or find it necessary to navigate unfamiliar terrain. In such circumstances, or when seeking guidance, helpful resources can be invaluable.
To that end, here are four proactive strategies parents can implement to strengthen children’s learning paths as time marches on, and the school year continues to unfold.
1) ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO CO-CREATE THEIR LEARNING.
Learning journeys involve planning and execution. Expectations and tasks should be manageable, relevant, and appropriately challenging. Actively involve kids in the growth process, and foster their accountability, advancement, and pride. Welcome their creative expression, interests, and ideas. Kids can collaborate, dream, and turn their curiosity and abilities into exciting and gratifying learning experiences. Encourage them to problem-solve and discuss learning options. Kids’ confidence and motivation increase when they feel other people value their views.
2) CONNECT WITH NATURE.
Engage in activities outside when possible, using these opportunities to enjoy fresh air, re-energize, and reinforce sensory awareness. Help kids focus on the beauty around them, including the colors, sounds, smells, complexity, and serenity of the great outdoors. Join in! Use all the senses to connect with and appreciate surroundings—and chat about thoughts, feelings, and observations. Pay attention to the power of resilience evidenced by flowers, weeds, trees, bushes—across the seasons, and in rough weather. Talk, read, and write about the mysteries of nature. For example, raise questions (and discover answers) revolving around how animals live, how and why environments change, and how people adapt. These are all wonderful learning activities! Extending horizons and perspectives can be motivating, and expand children’s knowledge bases.
3) CONSIDER PROGRAM IMPERATIVES.
Advocate for educational programs that offer kids choice and diversity—including various kinds of instruction, applications and assessment; suitable challenge; up-to-date practices and service provisions; and ample opportunities to be imaginative. Champion teachers who are receptive to children’s individual learning preferences and specific needs; respectful of their feelings; and responsive to their questions. Stay informed. Connect regularly with teachers, coaches, and others involved in your family’s learning journeys. A climate of mutual trust and appreciation benefits everyone.
4) EMBRACE CHILDREN’S EFFORTS.
Welcome and reinforce kids’ initiative, optimism, progress, and displays of knowledge. Demonstrate the power of hard work. Encourage them to be openminded and purposeful; to take on leadership roles; to be proactive about participating in community activities; and to help others. Albert Einstein said, “Strive not to be a success, but to be of value.” Help children realize that responsibility, convictions, vision, and engagement are effortful cornerstones of a foundation for learning and growth.
LAST WORDS
“Appreciate and be responsive to your child’s uniqueness—their passions, personality, concerns, talents, challenges—and be available to provide loving care, safety, structure, and guidance.”
~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, p. 3
The afore-mentioned points (co-creating learning, connecting with nature, understanding program imperatives, and putting forth effort) will serve kids well now, and as the school year continues—and, in fact, over the long haul. Time marches on, but when parents AND children become involved in meaningful learning journeys, they’re strengthened by them, and by one another!
