How to motivate your child to Learn

1. Fill your child's world with reading.Take turns reading with your older child, or establish a family reading time when everyone reads her own book. Demonstrate how important reading is to you by filling your home with printed materials: novels, newspapers, even posters and placemats with words on them.
2. Encourage him to express his opinion, talk about his feelings, and make choices.He can pick out a side dish to go with dinner and select his own extracurricular activities. Ask for his input on family decisions, and show that you value it.
3. Show enthusiasm for your child's interests and encourage her to explore subjects that fascinate her.If they love trucks, help them learn about them and take time to teach them the simple things needed to fix them.
4. Provide him with play opportunities that support different kinds of learning styles — from listening and visual learning to sorting and sequencing. Ask about what he's learning in school, not about his grades or test scores. Have him teach you what he likes Take time to hang out with your children and find out their learning styles. Ask him to tell you what he learned in school today — putting the lesson into his own words will help him retain what he learned.
5. Help your child organize their school papers and assignments so she feels in control of her work.If her task seems too daunting, she'll spend more time worrying than learning. Check in with her regularly to make sure she's not feeling overloaded.
6. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small.Completing a book report calls for a special treat; finishing a book allows your child an hour of video games. You'll find that positive reinforcement goes a long way; it will inspire him to keep learning and challenging himself.
7. Focus on strengths, encouraging developing talents.Even if she didn't ace her math test, she may have written a good poem in English class. In addition to a workbook for math practice, give her a writing journal.
8. Turn everyday events into learning opportunities.Encourage him to explore the world around him, asking questions and learning all he can.

Together we can make a difference.