7 Ways to Spark Your Child’s Interest in Learning

Below are seven strategies to help your child develop a love for learning and become more engaged in their studies:

1. Avoid forcing intense study sessions

After a long summer break filled with fun and freedom, it’s challenging for children to readjust to a structured routine. Initially, parents should focus on encouraging and motivating their children to look forward to returning to school and reconnecting with their peers and teachers.

Instead of being rigid and forceful, gently guide and encourage your child. Offer incentives to make going to school feel like a fun adventure. Teachers should also provide students with a grace period to adjust and not immediately impose strict rules and regulations.

If adults are too strict, children may develop a fear of school and hesitate to attend. The fundamental approach should be a reasonable balance between play and study, creating a friendly and engaging environment that gradually increases their focus on academics.

2. Allow children to choose their favorite subjects

Work with your child to create a reasonable schedule, ensuring that study time doesn’t become overly long and tedious. Stimulate their enthusiasm by letting them choose their favorite subjects and starting with easier tasks before progressing to more challenging ones.

If you notice your child is less than excited about studying, try engaging them with a comic book or playing their favorite music to spark their interest again.

3. Combine learning with play

According to psychological expert Nguyen An Chat, Director of An Viet Son Psychological Consulting Company, it is beneficial to intertwine rest and play with studying to maintain children’s enthusiasm. Ideally, learning should be approached in a light and enjoyable manner, blending learning with play and vice versa.

For elementary school students, it is crucial not to overload them with excessive homework, as they already attend school for two sessions a day. Overburdening them may lead to a loss of interest in learning and a reluctance to study.

Depriving children of playtime can negatively impact their motivation to learn. Instead, turn learning into a game, such as playing shop to teach math, numbers, and basic arithmetic through buying, selling, and giving change. Alternatively, read stories together and engage in quizzes or hint-based guessing games as a family.

This blend of learning and play enriches children’s lives, nurtures their personalities, and strengthens their desire to acquire knowledge.

4. Create a conducive study space with your child

Encourage your child to choose and decorate their study corner according to their preferences. Guide them in organizing and tidying up their study area, making it neat and welcoming. Help them arrange their new books on the shelves and consider adding a cute timetable.

During their study time, avoid interruptions, such as leaving the room or allowing siblings to engage in conversations at their study desk…

5. Lead by example

Parents are a child’s first and most influential role models. Children often emulate their parents’ behaviors, so demonstrate a passion for learning and working diligently. For instance, if you consistently engage in reading or working quietly each evening while your child studies, they will likely internalize this behavior and develop self-discipline without constant reminders.

Refrain from speaking loudly or watching TV while your child is studying, as this can be distracting and make them feel isolated or envious of their family members’ leisure time.

Additionally, share stories about the dedication to learning displayed by modern or historical scientists to inspire your child further.

6. Focus on encouragement and positive reinforcement

Instead of fixating on your child’s shortcomings, actively seek out their strengths and areas of improvement. Offer timely praise and regular encouragement. You can motivate them by saying something like, “We know you are capable of more than this. You just need to unlock your full potential, so keep trying your best.”

7. Avoid physical punishment and verbal abuse

Resist the urge to resort to physical punishment, scolding, or threats when your child exhibits a lack of enthusiasm for studying. Such approaches can lead to a fear of school and a negative association with learning. Physical punishment can cause long-term psychological harm, induce stress, and foster defiance in children.

Instead of punishment, listen to and observe your child’s psychological state. Failure to do so may result in lasting psychological damage, aggressive behavior toward peers, and the emulation of violent tendencies observed in parents.