model for learning I had to be authentic regarding my own thoughts, feelings, and values. What happened when I shifted gears and did this? I fell in love with learning in a way that I never experienced as a child or an adult! The children taught me the magic of play, whether it's building a rocket out of blocks, pretending to be a princess, or exploring what a bullfrog does. So, yes, we do teach children to love learning, but we do this by being an observer, a supporter, a facilitator, and always a good role model!
Learning: A Lifelong Process
Learning is not just teaching children to the standards. It is a process, a series of experiences that lead to the great "aha!" moments of life. Interestingly, when a sample of adults were asked if they loved learning in school, most answered that the worry of getting the answer right and doing what the teacher expected (and later passing a test) took the joy out of learning. Many said that they learned to love learning by exploring things on their own at home, outdoors, or later when they got to college.
In her presentation to the Scholastic Early Childhood Summit, renowned early childhood educator Lilian Katz spoke about the need to change the teaching emphasis from an "industrial model" of outcomes based on the standards to "standards of experiences" that all children should have. She went on to say that these standards of experiences need to focus on engaging children in investigating worthwhile topics that provide experiences that are intellectually challenging, that give children a sense of belonging and relationship, and that ultimately encourage children to have confidence in their own intellect. If we "rephrase the goals of education," we can help children learn how to lead a satisfying life.
Meet the Challenge
So how do we take on this task? We look first to ourselves as teachers and then to our environment to be sure that we create a classroom climate that encourages investigation and collaboration. We foster a love of learning not so much by the special materials or activities, but through a responsive, inquisitive attitude. When we provide plenty of time for open-ended, constructive play every day, we create opportunities for children to explore the joy of learning. At the same time, we can extend children's learning experiences by engaging children in meaningful conversations about their activities. With great open-ended questions and discussions, we can invite children to develop their own ideas and construct their own learning by expanding, clarifying, and developing their thinking. It's important to note that it is not just children's engagement in activities that is important. It is our skillful and conscious interactions with children that constructs knowledge and builds a love of learning.
It's Up to You!
You are the important ingredient in teaching a child to love learning. In fact, you are the cornerstone of the classroom environment. No matter if you are in a tiny basement classroom or a huge sunny space, it is your interactions with children that turn any place into a loving, learning lab. As you well know, there are times to observe children, times to encourage them, times to interact with them, and times to model learning. Like the pure act of discovery, your role is always changing.
As observer, you listen and watch. The perceptive teacher is aware of children's interactions with one another and with materials. She uses this information to incorporate children's interests into the daily program. By respecting children's processes, the teacher fosters a sense of independence in children that builds confidence and skills.
As a supporter, you encourage and accept The compassionate teacher inspires a classroom tone that welcomes children's original ideas, accepts all contributions equally, and at the same time is sensitive to individual abilities. In this safe and secure atmosphere, children can feel free to express their ideas without fear of being wrong, or of not being taken seriously. The teacher uses praise to build on children's strengths and abilities 