Motivating Your Child

Encourage your child to teach you a thing or two

Research shows that children are more motivated to learn when they feel capable, connected and in control. Letting your child teach you things nurtures these feelings.

Teaching you also helps a child understand assignments better. It reinforces what she knows and reveals gaps in understanding.

To have your child teach you:

• Show an interest in what she’s learning in school. Have her show you, explain or read aloud to you.
• Ask her to share stories from a book she’s reading.
• Let her quiz you. See if you can name the state capitals or presidents. Spell a vocabulary word or use it in a sentence. She can also test your knowledge of a science or math fact.
• Ask your child to help you solve a problem or create something. What does your child think you should you do first, second, next?
• Seek your child’s help on the computer. How does she navigate the Web?
• Ask her to teach you how to play a game.
• Let her keep you “in the know.” Ask what she can tell you about an event or people in the news.
• Ask for your child’s opinion before solidifying your own.
• Be impressed. Compliment your child on what she knows!

Reprinted with permission from the February 2008 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Stacy DeBroff, The Mom Book Goes to School: Insider Tips to Ensure Your Child Thrives in Elementary and Middle School, ISBN: 0-73432-5754-1 (Free Press, 1-800-223-2336, www.simonsays.com).