Kids often see learning as a chore and are reluctant to do schoolwork or educational assignments. Professional tutor Sandy Fleming says that fun and games can transform learning into a positive experience. In general, kids enjoy doing activities that engage them rather than forcing them to learn by repetition or in other boring ways. Use this knowledge to build their excitement, and you won't have to force them to learn because they'll look forward to each new lesson.
Step 1
Refer to learning in positive terms instead of calling it work. Tell kids they're going to have an opportunity to master a new skill or that they're going to try out an activity. Terms such as schoolwork turn them off while these other descriptions sound less like drudgery.
Step 2
Provide hands-on opportunities to help kids master new concepts. For example, numbers on paper are dry and boring, but counting objects or learning about an abacus can help bring math to life. Reading has an added dimension if you let kids act out the story or draw illustrations.
Step 3
Explain how the material learned applies to everyday life. Kids often question why they should learn concepts that seem dry. For example, you might explore ways in which geometry principles are used in fun places such as amusement parks.
Step 4
Visit places that mix learning with fun. Popular destinations include science and industry museums, planetariums, aquariums and zoos. Choose places that have hands-on activities especially for kids. For example, many cities have museums that specifically cater to children or parks that have days dedicated to science projects.
Tips and Warnings
- Encourage kids to join school clubs and extracurricular activities. These provide socialization as well as letting youngsters apply certain concepts and skills in a fun way.
