3 ways to motivate reluctant learners

Written by Jenna
http://www.yarnsoftheheart.com/

I am a big fan of interest-led learning. We found that motivation was rarely a problem because our three kids (all now graduated) were always exploring what interested them.

You can do it too.

For example, if your child loves trains, let him spend time learning all there is to know about trains. As a result, there will be a lot of reading, history, social studies, science and math to conquer, but it won’t feel like school!

What about learning things that don’t connect to a child’s interests?

It’s tempting to say, “Sit down, be quiet, listen and learn,” but if you have a reluctant learner, you know thems fightin’ words!

Here are a few ways to move your child from resistant to motivated.

1. Control your temper.

Kids tend to mirror our emotions. Plus, you’re more likely to say things you don’t mean and damage your relationship.

2. Go on a field trip.

Getting out will be good for everyone.

Your child may have no interest in the Lincoln/Douglas Debates, but we have a great little hands-on museum here in my hometown. I’m sure you have similar things near you.

Check out your local home school group, chamber of commerce, or do an internet search for historic places and museums near you. (more…)

Am I Qualified To Teach My Children?

by Cindy Short and Sue Welch, co-editors
Taken from Newsletter #375
www.teachinghome.com

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-7

You have the most direct and long-term responsibility for your children before God, who commands parents to teach their children His Word, the most important thing they will learn.

Parental and Tutorial Advantages

You know your children better than anyone else and have the deepest love and concern for them.

You do not need to know everything in order to teach.  Your example and enthusiasm in learning with your children will motivate and encourage them.

Dr. Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute, says:

“The tutorial method of teaching has always been the superior method.  Home education epitomizes this method, providing essentials for success – a close student/teacher relationship, family-consistent values, motivation, flexibility, and individualization.”
Research Findings

Dr. Ray has listed the following findings in regards to the academic performance of home school students:

•  Home-educated students typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests.

•  Homeschool students score above average on achievement tests regardless of their parents’ level of formal education or their family’s household income.

•  Whether homeschool parents were ever certified teachers, is not related to their children’s academic achievement.

•  Home-educated students typically score above average on the SAT and ACT tests that colleges consider for admissions.

•  Homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges.

Read the complete Research Facts on Homeschooling online.
National Home Education Research Institute

Dr. Brian Ray founded NHERI in 1990 and has compiled statistics from his own and others’ research that has been used in court cases and legislatures worldwide to promote and defend homeschooling.

Check out the NHERI website at www.nheri.org to see more information, sign up for their mailing list, order NHERI products, and make a tax-deductible donation.

Steps in Making or Reaffirming Your Decision To Homeschool

by Cindy Short and Sue Welch, co-editors
Taken from Newsletter #375
www.teachinghome.com

Your decision to home school should be based on your determination of God’s will for your family.

Reaffirming why you are teaching your children at home will provide the conviction, confidence, and commitment that you will need in order to persevere during difficult times.

Many home school families have found it beneficial to write out their decision to home school along with a list, or summary, of the reasons why they have made that decision.

These reasons for your decision will also help you explain your home education choice to others, including your children. (more…)