The Joy of Learning

"Third person is awesome!" This excited exclamation came from one of our seventh grade students during a literature class with Miss Zimmerman. I overheard it as I walked by their classroom door, causing me to eavesdrop a minute longer as other students commented further on the author's interesting use of voice.

Observing the excitement that comes from learning is a joyful part of my job. When students engage the difficult and comprehend the complicated, they exude an enthusiasm that motivates them to share what they have learned. Asking, "What did you learn, today?" is a great way to tap into that enthusiasm. And if asked consistently every day, it can be a good starter to review the day's lessons.

My point is this: children often pick-up the interests of their parents. If you are interested and excited about education and what your child is learning, your child will also come to love learning and value education. Take time to talk with your child about school. It is important for you to direct the conversation toward what is being learned - don't let the conversation be only about peers, recess, or the novelties of the day.

Remember that learning is hard work; it is not a passive process but requires organization, concentration, and practice. Provide your student with a quiet space to do homework - turn off music, TV, and other distractions. Spend a few moments at the beginning of the homework session helping your child identify what needs to be done, the order in which to do it, and the amount of time it should take. Homework is a chore, but it should not be a burden. Homework is not just busywork - it should reinforce lessons learned and establish the habit of review to cement learning in the mind.

Parental help in the learning process is vital to student success. Thank you for your partnership in helping your child develop all that God has gifted him or her to become.