How to Teach a Child Who Doesn't Want to Learn

Children are born with a natural curiosity to explore the world around them. Babies start by putting their fingers in their mouths. They crawl around a room in search of their favorite toy. Many skills like eating, walking, or speaking develop in infants with little help from the parents. Learning is thus an innate skill. Why do some children refuse to learn then, in a classroom?

When children hesitate to learn, there is always a reason for it. It may be because of a change in their lives, like the birth of a sibling or a divorce. They may also be dealing with trauma or problems with friends. These reasons are difficult to navigate, but children may refuse to learn owing to learning difficulties or poor work habits. Tutors and parents can easily tackle these situations with a few simple strategies.

Here are a few tips for teaching a child who doesn't want to learn.

Seven ways to motivate a child who is unwilling to learn

The biggest obstacle to learning is a lack of motivation. Children may zone out in class, refuse to do homework, and may present shoddy work. Tutors can motivate these students in a few simple ways. Here are seven such ways.

1. Keep the child comfortable:

It may be surprising, but very often, simple things like the fan not working or being hungry may hinder a child's learning. Keep your classroom airy and at the right temperature. Allow for breaks after every thirty minutes when the child can also eat a snack or have a sip of water. Teach them simple stretches that they can do during a break.

At home, parents can allow children to walk around while revising. Learning should be done when the child is most alert. Do not make children learn beyond their bedtimes, even if there is a test the next day.

2. Encourage a love for reading:

Learning is not just about marks. A child needs to see it as a part of life. The best way to do that is by providing extensive access to reading material. Build reading time in your classes. Parents can set aside time to sit and read with their children at home. Reading also opens up new worlds that can stimulate their curiosity.

For children for struggle with reading, you can opt for audiobooks. They can also listen to stories told by friends or teachers.

3. Identify reading and learning difficulties:

Children with reading difficulties or developmental disorders may feel ashamed of their issues. They refuse to work to hide these feelings. Conduct screening tests early. Once you have identified their problems, you can start them on remedial work or therapy. Building their confidence is vital.

Do not label the child, though. Work on building the skills required and not on singling out the child.

4. Discuss learning outcomes and offer choices:

Be honest about what you want the child to learn. Talk to them about your methods of teaching. Offer them a choice to learn in ways that work for them. For example, you may teach addition using everyday objects. The child may want to play a computer game based on the concept of addition. Giving them options reduces friction and fosters learning.

You must not control the learning process too much. Ultimately, it is the child that has to learn. Your job is that of a facilitator. It is up to the child to own the process.

5. Accept mistakes:

As the child slowly starts learning and doing the work, there will be mistakes. Ignore these mistakes for the time being. Focus on the effort put in by the child. Even if they are not doing the work well, encourage their interest in learning.

If they get disappointed about their grades or lose marks for late submission, let them face it. These experiences will help them get right back on track.

6. Equip them with the necessary skills:

Often, children may refuse to work because they don't know how. Teach them efficient study skills and to set realistic goals. Help them manage their time well by drawing up schedules. Break their work into smaller pieces.

Parents must not overbook their children with activities. Keep aside periods with nothing planned. These pauses are crucial for their mental health.

7. Take learning outside the classroom or desk:

Turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities. For example, ask a child to mark attendance and calculate the percentage. Make children learn measurement in the sports field. Let them grow vegetables and then cook them. All these will show the child that learning is a part of life.

Parents can use a trip to the mall as an opportunity to revise maths concepts. Writing a letter to their cousins can help them learn grammar rules. The possibilities are truly endless!

Conclusion

Parents and teachers should demonstrate love and care for the child at every step. Their focus must be on the child's understanding of concepts and not on the best score. Each child is unique. With time and the right encouragement, any child can excel.

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