As adults, having gone through the motions of life and watching the world develop as we grow older, we can testify on the importance of a good education. A developing world requires developing minds. Children, being young and restless, sometimes, fail to understand the value of what they’re studying and how it is meant to be of use to them in the future. Before you begin to explain to your child why his education is an essential part of his life, and why he needs to work hard – you need to understand the role of education as well.
Importance of education
- Children are the future
- At the end of the day we are education the future of our world. It is important that they are prepared to handle the world as adults, and make good decisions for themselves and the people around them.
- Education creates responsible and thinking adults. These adults not only try to create better lives for themselves but they understand the needs of those around them and for generations ahead.
- With education they are able to make well informed decisions.
- They are more aware of the tragedies around the world, and they try to provide as much aid as possible.
- The more children are educated today, the more will be educated in the future and that is how we can slowly work to decreasing the illiteracy rate.
- For their future:
- All parents want more for their children than they had. An education ensures that this is possible.
- They are able to earn more, and give their families a lot more than they had.
- A better education means that they can pursue any field of work they like if they work hard enough.
- Education makes children more civilized. They are more open-minded with other people, other ideas and less judgemental. This does not mean they agree with everything they hear. They have a clearer understanding of what is right and wrong and what is worth fighting for.
How parents can encourage children to study harder
- Every child wants to be someone when they grow up. Whether it is a doctor, an electrician or the president, every child has a dream. It is important to keep reminding them of their dreams as the years pass. Remind them that education paves the road to their dreams.
- If you see them struggling with homework, do not let them struggle on their own. Do not give them the answers, but guide and explain topics to them so that they are able to think and solve the problems on their own.
- Every time they bring home good grades, give them something they like. This does not need to be big rewards; extra game time or time with friends will suffice.
- Do not discourage them when they make a mistake. Show them how they can rectify it and remind them that failure is not the end. They can always do better next time.
- Create a schedule for them. If they have a regular routine to follow, it is less likely that they will fall behind in class.
- If they are having trouble coping in class, a good idea is to get them a tutor to help them out.
- Never push them too hard. It is important to encourage and guide your children in the right direction but never force them down a path they are unwilling to tread. Find ways around a problem, try to motivate them.
- If you child has a problem with a particular subject, or a learning disability, it is very important to speak to their teachers at the start of the year. This way their teacher can give them the required attention in class as well.
How teachers can make classroom learning fun
- Teachers are by far the most fundamental part of a child’s education. Some children simply study because they like the teacher who is teaching a particular subject. With this in mind, it is beneficial to be approachable and kind to your students.
- Interact with your students as much as possible on topics that are not always relevant to their subject. This will encourage them to get comfortable and they will be able to come to you with their problems – study related or otherwise.
- When teaching a particular topic in class, try and make the session as interactive as possible. Use visual and audio aids like charts, audio books, presentations, videos, speeches, documentaries and movies. This usually captures the attention of the child and helps them focus on what is being taught.
- Group activities are always useful. It gives students a chance to interact with the other people in class, and it is also an opportunity to learn from one another while contributing to an end goal.
- When setting homework and assignments for students, it is important to set them work that is interesting. Give them work that requires them to do research, learn something new, or involves their surroundings and those around them. Children tend to learn more from practical work then theory.
- Be as lenient as possible. Some students may not be as quick as the rest of the class and may have problems with their work. Allow them an extra day or two to complete it.
- If students are unable to understand a particular topic consistently, try to change around your style of teaching. This will give them a new perspective of understanding on the topic.
- Be as approachable as possible. If students are able to ask you questions and have their doubts clarified, they are more likely to try harder to improve their understanding of a subject.
These are just a few of the ways in which we can help the children of the future learn to be aware of the world and changes that are occurring. It is important that we contribute to raising children that are more attentive to needs greater and more important than their own. It through education and learning that children become more responsible and capable to handle the struggles and difficulties that accompanies adulthood. They are able to prioritize and build a better future for themselves.