Educating Our Children | 10 Ways to Raise Life Long Learners

As an adult you already know, learning takes place in all aspects of life, not just in the classroom. Of course your child’s teachers are providing important lessons in math, reading, and writing, but what happens when the school bell rings? As a parent, you want to do all you can to keep that learning and longing for knowledge going. Below, you will find 10 ways to raise life long learners, children who continue to enrich themselves and their minds long after school is over. These suggestions are easy and inexpensive to try, so take a peek and see how you too can raise life long learners you can be proud of.  If you homeschool (like we do) you'll still find these to be quite useful tips!

10 Ways to Raise Life Long Learners

1. Encourage the reading of a variety of texts. Be sure you have a wide variety of reading materials in your home that span a variety of subjects and topics. A home library is a wonderful way to make sure your children have easy access to books they can explore. Make adding books to that collection a regular occurrence so your children see that maintaining these texts are valuable! As your child grows, be sure they have plenty of texts that grab their attention.

2. Model being a life long learner. Make sure your child has the chance to see you reading and educating yourself. Don’t hesitate to let them see you ask questions, read books, research information on the internet, and perhaps even take extended learning courses later in life.

3. Present a variety of educational television shows. Be mindful of the television your child is watching. Make sure it includes an assortment of shows that encourage thinking and reflection such as the evening news, documentaries, non-fiction presentations, etc. These are wonderful learning experiences and still quite entertaining.

4. Attend local art attractions. Art is known to stimulate the mind and senses. Provide opportunities for your child to explore art through art shows, concerts, and galleries in your area. Talk to your child about the sort of art he likes and give him experiences to create art himself.

5. Give plenty of chances to explore. Slow down! Give your child chances to explore the world around them. Visit local parks and nature preserves, go for car rides with the intention of exploring, and take walks around your community. When your child feels safe exploring, they are learning.

6. Make yourself open to questions. Let your child know they can ask you anything. You may not always have the answers, but you can surely go in search of them together. Make sure you child feels safe coming to you to ask questions that are on their mind.

7. Enroll your child in clubs and hobbies. Keeping your child active in clubs or with hobbies keeps their minds stimulated. Look for local art and sports clubs, book clubs, or other clubs in your area for your child to partake in. It is a great way to meet others and keep their minds going.

8. Make every day experiences a learning experience. Whether you are cooking, cleaning, or doing yard work, you can create it into a learning experience for your child. Always make note when an experience can be turned into a chance to teach a lesson and go for it!

9. Play challenging games. Many games are designed to enrich the mind such as checkers and chess. Take advantage of these fun games and all of the benefits they offer. Play these games as a family and enrich your minds together. And last but not least, give yourself some credit!

10. Give yourself some credit. You may not be a trained educator, but you are a parent who now knows how to keep little minds stimulated and forever learning. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done and don’t give up when you feel frustrated.

Raising life long learners is not easy, but worth the effort. Give these tips a try and see how easy it is to do exactly that and what a difference it will make in the life of your child.