5 Ways you Can Foster a Love of learning for your child

As an early childhood educator, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for learning that young children bring into our classrooms. At this tender age, children are naturally inclined to explore and discover the world around them.

As parents, you play a crucial role in nurturing this innate curiosity and fostering a lifelong love for learning. Parents often ask me how they can encourage children t these traits in their children

Here are five ways you can help your child embrace the joy of learning:

1. Discover What Inspires and Interests Your Child

Every child is unique, with their own set of interests and passions. Pay close attention to what excites your child, whether it’s animals, art, music, science, or stories. By identifying these interests, you can create enriching experiences that tap into their natural curiosity. In our classrooms, we try to balance structure and freedom of discovery. When there is an opportunity, teachers explore and discover together with their students. 

You can do this at home easily. If you read a story and your child gets excited about the main character who is a frog, lean into their curiosity. You can ask them what they know about frogs and what they want to learn. Find a book about frogs so they can do their own research. Follow through on the interest, and encourage your child to be inquisitive. You can make learning fun and relevant, helping your child see education as an exciting journey of discovery.

2. Value Hard Work and the Process Over the End Results

In early childhood, the focus should be on the learning process, rather than solely on the outcomes. Encourage your child to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process of learning new things. Celebrate their efforts and persistence, even when the results aren’t perfect. 

Research by Stanford psycologist Carol Dweck shows that our word choice matters. When you say, “You worked hard,” versus, “You are smart,” you help your child build resilience. Children learn growth and persistence matters. Dweck found that process praise in early childhood pays off in reading and math scores in elementary school.

I encourage teachers to reframe their praise. For example, instead of saying, “You have a beautiful voice,” say, “I can see how hard you worked memorizing the complicated lyrics.”

This approach builds resilience and confidence, empowering children to tackle challenges with enthusiasm.

3. Normalize Making Mistakes

Mistakes are a natural and valuable part of the learning process, especially for young children. Parents can create a safe and supportive environment where young children feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. 

One teacher I know says, “Oh, we made a magical mistake.” We remind students all the time that mistakes make your brain grow. It’s in these moments where you’re learning, so celebrate it! The Big Life Journal is a great tool for encouraging elementary age children to reflect on mistakes as opportunities for growth. 

When children make mistakes and are encouraged to reflect on them, they develop lifelong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Children can learn to analyze what went wrong and consider alternative approaches or solutions. This process helps children lean into creative thinking and growing the confidence that their capable of overcoming obstacles of any size.

4. Build Strong Connections with Teachers and Other Adults

Strong relationships with teachers and other trusted adults are vital for a child’s development. These connections provide a sense of security and support, making children more comfortable and confident in their learning environment. 

At St. Mary’s, each early childhood classroom has two lead teachers, which ensures that each girl is fully known for her unique strengths and well supported throughout the school year. This also helps students learn to build unique connections and relationships with the adults in their lives. 

You can nurture these connections by communicating regularly with your child’s teachers, participating in school activities, and showing appreciation for the educators in their lives. Encourage your child to form positive relationships with their teachers and other mentors, as these bonds can greatly enhance their learning experience.

5. Create a Learning-Friendly Environment at Home

Creating a supportive and stimulating environment at home is crucial for fostering a love for learning. This doesn’t necessarily mean having a dedicated study space or structured learning time; rather, it’s about nurturing a culture of curiosity and exploration. Provide access to books, toys, and creative materials that encourage imaginative play and discovery. Limit screen time and engage in activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, such as puzzles, board games, and outdoor exploration.

You can do this!

As a parent, you are the first and most important teacher in your child’s life, and your efforts to inspire a love of learning are truly invaluable. Every time you encourage curiosity, celebrate effort, and make learning an exciting journey, you are laying a strong foundation for your child’s future. It’s in those moments of reading together, exploring new interests, and having open conversations about mistakes that you are nurturing a lifelong passion for discovery. Remember, it’s not just about academic achievements, but about instilling a joy for learning that will carry your child through all stages of life. 

Christina Block is the Head of the Early Childhood Program at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, a school for girls ages 2 through 12th grade. She has nearly 20 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist and learning support for early childhood-age children. Block works closely with parents and teachers to help each girl reach her potential. She is the mother of two girls, a college freshman and a high school junior.

St. Mary’s Episcopal School: Where her bright future starts. Since 1847, St. Mary’s Episcopal School has helped girls unlock their full potential and enter the world confident, capable, and ready for any challenge.

Every teacher, every lesson, every resource is dedicated to girls and how they learn best.