How to Truly Engage your Child with Learning

Do you ever find yourself struggling to get your child interested in certain topics? It can be frustrating, especially when they seem to have endless energy for video games or hanging out with friends. But here’s the thing—homeschooling doesn’t have to feel like a chore, and with a little creativity, you can tap into their natural curiosity. The key is to get them excited about learning by connecting their interests to the subjects at hand.

Encourage Independent Learning

One of the most effective ways to spark that excitement is by encouraging independent learning. Independent learning helps your child develop self-motivation, builds their learning skills, and gives them the confidence to tackle new challenges on their own. Sure, starting a new topic can be intimidating for them, and they may need some support at first. But as they get more comfortable, they’ll find their own way of solving problems and exploring ideas.

By giving your child the freedom to learn at their own pace and in their own way, you’re not just teaching them a subject—you’re teaching them how to learn. This kind of empowerment can lead to greater motivation and a sense of accomplishment as they begin to see that they’re capable of figuring things out on their own. It’s a win-win, really—you’re setting them up for success, and they’re gaining the confidence to take on the world, one problem at a time.

Reward Their Efforts

As moms, we know that encouraging our kids to learn for the sake of learning is the ultimate goal. Intrinsic motivation—where they’re excited about discovering new things just because it’s interesting—can be powerful. But let’s be real, sometimes a little external motivation doesn’t hurt either. If your child is struggling to find the motivation to tackle a tough subject, rewarding their efforts can be a great way to get them over the hump.

Celebrate the small victories. If an assignment feels overwhelming, break it down into manageable chunks and reward them with breaks or a fun activity once they’ve completed each section. This approach not only makes learning less daunting but also helps them see that their hard work pays off. Over time, these rewards can help them develop a natural drive to learn, making the whole process feel less like a chore and more like a challenge they’re excited to tackle.

Set Ambitious Yet Achievable Goals

Setting goals is a fantastic way to keep kids motivated, but it’s important to strike the right balance. Ambitious goals are great, but they should also be realistic and achievable. Break down larger tasks into smaller, bite-sized steps, and teach your child how to do this too. Being able to see their progress, step by step, can be incredibly motivating.

Remember, every child is unique. If you have more than one, you’ve probably noticed they each have their own way of working through tasks. Take the time to understand how your child learns best, and tailor your support to fit their learning style. This not only builds their confidence but also helps them become more resilient when faced with challenges. By breaking things down and celebrating their progress, you’re helping them build the skills they need to succeed.

Let Them Make It Theirs

One of the best ways to keep your child engaged in learning is to let them make it their own. Give them some control over how they learn, and you’ll see how much more invested they become. This can be as simple as letting them choose the color of their notebook or decide how they want to organize their study space.

When kids feel like they have a say in their learning experience, they’re more likely to take ownership of it. Encourage them to personalize their materials, set their own goals, and decide how they want to approach a subject. This sense of autonomy can be a powerful motivator, helping them stay excited and engaged with their studies.

Put Them in the Driver’s Seat

Giving your child a say in how and when they learn can make a huge difference. Allow them to take the lead in deciding their learning schedule, whether it’s picking the time of day that works best for them or choosing which subjects to tackle first. When kids feel like they’re in control of their education, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

It’s also important to match their learning style. Some kids are auditory learners who thrive on discussions and verbal explanations. Others might be kinesthetic learners who need to engage with materials hands-on to really understand them. Pay attention to how your child learns best and tailor their lessons accordingly.

For example, if your child enjoys listening and repeating things, they might benefit from auditory learning techniques. This is particularly useful when figuring out how to teach phonograms—those building blocks of language that require repetition and sound recognition. On the other hand, if your child prefers hands-on activities, try incorporating interactive lessons that allow them to physically engage with the material.

By experimenting with different learning methods and staying attuned to your child’s preferences, you can make learning a more enjoyable and effective experience. And in doing so, you’ll not only help them succeed academically but also strengthen your connection with them—something every mom knows is priceless.

Forest Rose

Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, &  Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!