5 Ways to Encourage Lifelong Learning in Children

Inside: If you want the kids you teach, or your own children, to continue learning after school, check out some of our favorite ways to encourage lifelong learning.

Children’s curiosity piques every time they experience, see, or hear about something new. It’s important for parents and teachers to continue to foster that curiosity and thirst for knowledge as their children and students get older. If that’s something you want to strive for, check out some of our favorite ways to encourage lifelong learning in children.

Model the Behavior

More often than not, parents are role models for their children. If you truly want to inspire lifelong learning, then you need to model that behavior. In the simplest sense, parents should show their kids the importance of remaining curious and valuing knowledge.

You can do this in a few different ways, from reading and researching together to trying out new activities. Either way, let them see what you’re doing to foster your own knowledge—this will help them feel comfortable learning on their own.

Read with Them

Of course, my favorite way to inspire lifelong learning is by teaching kids about the wonders of reading. Reading encourages creativity and curiosity, and it’s a great way to learn throughout life.

If you’re lucky enough to have a child who loves reading, do your best to keep that adoration going. Otherwise, do your best to read with them every night. If you show interest, then they’ll also show interest soon enough.

Promote Problem-Solving

Kids are used to following many step-by-step directions throughout the day. This directional approach can be good in some cases, but it can affect lifelong learning as time goes on. Do your best to promote problem-solving by providing opportunities and questions that will challenge their minds. When they’re at home, let them decide how to solve their everyday problems—give them choices instead of directions. Letting them solve their own problems and making their own decisions does wonders for supporting their learning.

Fuel Their Passions

If you notice your child is crazy about something—dance, dinosaurs, the ocean—encourage them to learn about it. Head to the library and pick up books about with their passions; visit a museum; watch documentaries—show them all the different ways to learn!

Teach Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk affects more than just self-confidence—it leaks into various areas of our lives as well. When you teach children this habit, it helps them remain positive about the journey of learning and of life. Plus, this habit lives on long after students leave the classroom. Guide children around negative self-talk with positive affirmations, logic, compassion, and encouragement.

By following these tips, you’ll help encourage your children to continue learning for as long as they live. We hope these ways to encourage lifelong learning in children help you create a household of knowledge and compassion!