My child is not interesed in learning! Anything!
Oh, I hear you. In fact, my home school child is not interested in learning right now. Having homeschooled 3 boys I have gone through this stage several times over the years. Let’s face it, learning can be hard work, especially if it is not interesting or immediately beneficial. So, why do we make our kids do it? The answer is simple: because we want what is best for them. To function in society to the best of our ability a certain level of academic achievement is required. Albeit that level is different depending on the individual, but there is a certain level all the same.
Nothing beats working one on one with your child.
This is where the benefits of home school shine. You don’t have to teach your children the “stuff” they need to learn in the traditional way. Get to really know how your child operates and work to their strengths and interests; at their level. Think outside the box and start getting creative.
Having said that, sometimes when you have done all you can to make it interesting or written a program to follow their passions, they just don’t want to do it.
4 strategies that can help a child who is not interested in learning
Are you doing too much?
This is the first thing I review. I often fall into this trap, especially this time of year when so many tempting activities are on offer. My boys are active, social beings and love any excuse to get out and about, be it sport, an organised weekly activity or an outing with friends. However, when we are running a hectic schedule our focus shifts from the learning to rushing through our work to get out the door. No real learning takes place and we certainly are not enjoying the process. There is no opportunity to dive deeper into a topic that grabs their attention as we are operating in survival mode. Loss of interest in learning occurs due to an inability to spend any quality time on a topic.
If it does not help your child move towards their goals, then out it goes.
Our time is a valuable resource and a vital ingredient in the learning process. Having said that, a balance between social activities and academic learning needs to be reached. Choose your activities wisely and make sure they add value to your child’s learning experience – be it academic, physical or emotional. Consider how much socialisation is really necessary. Keeping in mind this can be different for different children in the same family. Don’t forget your children are socialising with siblings every day. The only child is a bit more challenging but certainly doable.
Are you expecting too much academically?
When you begin to speak with other homeschool mums it does not take long for the conversation to come around to the amazing programs and curriculums others are using. You start comparing yourself and your children and BAM! You believe you are not doing enough. So you cram more work in……………sound familiar? What you need to remind yourself is that you have your own unique family with their own interests and structure. What works for one family does not mean it will work for you. Remember your goals for your children and come back to that. Does this new program or curriculum fulfill that goal? If not, then out it goes.
We always work on English and Math, but it may take on a gentler form for a period of time. Work out what is your absolute minimum, in some cases, it may be to de-school. This time is only temporary, yet necessary, to allow you breathing space to really focus on the problem. When you feel you are ready to re-introduce other subjects do so slowly. Are you trying to create great learning habits, or cram a bunch of facts into their brains? Personally, I prefer life-long learners.
Do you have a daily routine?
They do not cope well with change and need a lead time to adjust.
Sometimes our children just don’t know what to do with themselves. Other times they are not mature enough, yet, to follow a plan without guidance. Children can learn this skill over time. Too much freedom can lead to poor choices. In the meantime, routine could be your answer. I know this is true for my 2 ADHD boys. Without routine we have chaos. From the time the boys wake they follow a set order of events. This order leads them to academic work. While we don’t follow a clock, it is the order of events that is really important. By daily highlighting their completed tasks for the day, my children feel a sense of achievement. You may be surprised how such a simple solution can benefit your child.
Does your child feel defeated?
There are times when our children, for whatever reason, feel utterly defeated and quite possibly a reduced sense of value. They don’t realise they have the ability to achieve, especially in a society that places so much value on academic achievement. No matter how small the achievement and success is, it holds value. Awareness of success helps children feel accomplished and, in turn, builds confidence. For example, can they ride a bike? Can they catch a ball? Do they participate in music, sport, art? Are they good at strategy as a gamer? Remember they learned to walk, talk, dress and feed themselves, so they can achieve. Regularly remind your children how far they have come.
Your achievements should always bring out the best inside of you. They should build you up and help you believe that you can achieve the next goal in front of you.
CHRISTOPHER D. CONNORS
HTTPS://MEDIUM.COM/THE-MISSION/THE-FEELING-OF-ACHIEVEMENT-10-WAYS-CELEBRATING-SUCCESS-IMPROVES-YOUR-LIFE-41532A964FF3
With this in mind begin to build them up. Break down the learning process for them one step at a time to allow them mastery before moving forward. Help them to feel a sense of achievement which in turn builds confidence. Celebrate the small stuff just as much as the big.
It takes practice to develop a homeschool mindset for our children, but the results are worth the effort. If your child needs help now to feel a sense of achievement, then Dance for Development may be just what you need. As a result of witnessing personal growth in my boys due to dance, I teamed up with Mark Wilson Dance Studio. Together we designed a program specifically for home school children with a focus on building self-confidence, goal setting, perseverance, and more. The children learn how to transfer these skills into all other areas of life, including academic performance. But most importantly they have fun!
This post shares my experience and opinions only and is not professional advice. Please make your own decisions on what is right for your child and family given your individual circumstances.
No Comments