Developing a Love of Learning

“It is not about smart children, it is about happy children who have the confidence and the courage to learn and pursue things dear to their heart.” Alexandra Eidens

Over the past 24 years, I have observed homework from the viewpoint of a teacher, au pair and tutor, and while I’ve never sat on the other side of the dining room as a parent I have also listened to their views on this controversial topic. When I was teaching at Omatas each year would begin with a parent’s meeting , and one of the first questions would be “ Why do our children need to do homework ?” While the parents would argue that their children have already spent 6 hours learning at school, and that the afternoon should be their time to relax and have fun, homework is actually a crucial part of the learning process :

• being taught something in class

• having a chance to forget it

• remembering and understanding what they need to do

• completing the task independently

“There is no possible way …. a student can learn everything mentioned in a class without reinforcing the subject.” Lew Levine

While understanding the role of homework in the learning process helps parents to recognise its value, this often leads to the question “So what must I do when my child say they don’t know what to do.” Although your natural instinct is to want to help your child to succeed and sitting at their side teaching them will help them complete their homework, it is your child’s job to do the learning and they won’t learn if they don’t think for themselves and make their own mistakes .

While your involvement in their learning can help to improve how well your child does in school the best way to help them along the path to becoming successful independent worker is :

• to set up a comfortable homework - friendly learning area with the supplies they may need within reach

• to show an active interest in what they are learning , asking and answering questions and engaging them in discussions about it

• to create a work schedule with the activities they struggle with first on the list when they are fresh and including a 15 minute break every hour

• to make sure they understand how to do the work and then let them try

• helping them to develop a growth mindset and if they get an answer wrong explaining what they did wrong and encouraging them to try again

• to praise their work and efforts acknowledging and celebrating their achievements whether they are big or small .

“Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding .” Robert John Meehan

Children do not all learn in the same way and at the same rate. While many children don’t like homework and will struggle from time to time, for children with learning difficulties including ADHD, ADD and dyslexia who learn and think differently both classwork and homework are a constant challenge. If doing homework is a struggle which can lead to anxiety and frustration for these children, some parents would argue that it would better to leave the learning in the classroom but once you understand the homework challenges your child is facing it is possible to find solutions which will help to reduce stress and avoid battles.

While parents want give their children the help they need to overcome their difficulties with reading, comprehension and maths, they may not have the time or ability to do so and the best kind of help they can give is to employ a remedial tutor after school. A specialist tutor who understands your child’s learning style, can support what they are doing in class and through offering explanations, providing practice and developing strategies help them to acquire the skills they need to succeed.

“Adding fun to learning creates the best educational experience possible.” Tamara L. Chiver

When teaching children who still need to use concrete materials to develop understanding and are not engaged by traditional methods of learning, it is time to think outside of the box. Working one on one with your children, learning about their interests and hobbies, will enable me to create an individualised, creative teaching method for them, which will help to boost their confidence and build skills through getting them excited about what they are learning.

Studies have shown that children learn better when they are having fun. Children with learning issues are often discouraged and anxious, and incorporating games, movement and hands–on activities like an arts and crafts project into the homework sessions to make them exciting and enjoyable, will encourage them to participate .

When children are enthusiastic and engaged, they absorb new information more easily. Having their hands and their brains are simultaneously busy will help them to understand and remember the information, and because the process is enjoyable and more like having fun than facing a homework hurdle they are willing to take risks which will help them to achieve success.

“Success is no accident . It is hard work, perseverance, learning and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do .” Pele

To find out how Coach Caroline can help your child to achieve their full potential.

WhatsApp 0609101851