How to Keep Your Students Motivated

It’s common to feel overwhelmed as you struggle to motivate your homeschooled child. Sometimes, children seem to propel themselves through their coursework, and sometimes, it’s a battle just to get them to pay attention. The journey of educating your child can be bumpy, leaving you exhausted and unsure of how to proceed. If your child lacks motivation to work on their courses, here are some tips to help get them back on track. 

 

Get to Know Your Child 

Understanding your child better is crucial for fostering motivation, especially in their educational pursuits. By truly knowing his interests, strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, you can tailor his educational experiences to be more engaging and relevant to him. This personalized approach not only enhances his curiosity and eagerness to learn but also builds his confidence in his intelligence. It creates a supportive environment where he feels seen and understood, thereby increasing his intrinsic motivation to pursue and excel in his courses. Ultimately, getting to know your child better is a key step in helping them develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

 

What to do if Your Child is Hyperactive

If your student becomes fidgety and struggles to sit still during his courses, implementing active learning strategies can significantly help him stay on track. Break his study time into shorter, more manageable segments with frequent breaks to allow physical movement, such as stretching or a quick walk. 

Incorporate hands-on activities or experiments that relate to the lesson content to engage both his mind and body. Tools like standing desks or stability balls as chairs can also provide an outlet for his physical energy while studying. Additionally, integrating technology or interactive apps that require active participation can keep his focus sharp. These adjustments make learning dynamic and can greatly improve concentration and retention for students who thrive on movement.

 

Identify What Kind of Learner He Is

Identifying if your child is a kinesthetic or verbal learner is pivotal in keeping him motivated. Kinesthetic learners excel through hands-on experiences and physical activities, so incorporating experiments, building projects, or even role-playing into his learning can greatly enhance his engagement. 

For verbal learners who thrive on spoken or written words, strategies like engaging discussions, storytelling, and writing assignments will resonate more deeply. Observing your student's preferences during different activities or directly experimenting with various teaching methods can help pinpoint his learning style. Once identified, tailoring the educational content to match his learning preference can dramatically increase his interest and motivation, making the learning process both effective and enjoyable.

 

Talk to Your Child to See if There is a Deeper Issue at Hand

Conducting a deeper examination into a child's life to understand the root causes of their lack of motivation is essential, as factors outside the educational environment often play a significant role. Life events such as parents getting divorced can create emotional turmoil, leading to feelings of insecurity or distraction that affect a child's ability to focus on learning. Health issues, whether physical or mental, can also greatly impact motivation, as they might cause discomfort, fatigue, or anxiety, making educational tasks seem more daunting or less relevant. By observing changes in behavior, engaging in open conversations, and possibly seeking professional advice, parents can gain insights into these underlying issues. Addressing these aspects of a child's life with empathy, support, and appropriate interventions can help remove barriers to motivation, fostering a healthier, more conducive environment for learning and development.

Students occasionally lose motivation for schoolwork, which is normal. Encouraging them to finish daily lessons despite lacking motivation can instill a sense of accomplishment. Overcoming challenges can boost their confidence and motivation. Tailoring activities to your child's learning style and incorporating fun, interactive elements into online schooling can make learning more engaging and enjoyable.

 

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.