In a world that changes faster than any textbook can keep up with, the most powerful gift we can give our children is the love of learning itself. No one can say with certainty what careers will exist in 20 years, or exactly which skills will matter most. But as educators and parents, we can prepare our children for the confidence, curiosity, excitement of learning to keep growing and adapting no matter what comes next.
Learning from students from the age of 4 to their 80s from all different backgrounds, these are some of the things that I’ve realised that can cultivate their love of learning.
Embrace change and make it fun
The children who adapt best to the future are the ones who’ve learned to be comfortable with surprise. Encourage deep learning in areas your child already loves, at the same time also motivate them to try something new every couple of years , a new sport, a musical instrument, a coding class, a different style of book. Each new skill trains the brain’s most important muscle: adaptability.
Passionate role models
We’re social animals and we love to connect and learn from other one another. Children learn the best when they have a model that they can observe and learn from. When a teacher or parent is genuinely excited about learning, it’s contagious and inspiring.
A safe space to fail
Building an environment where they can take risks to make as many mistakes as they can, knowing that it’s not catastrophic. They can ask silly questions without feeling embarrassed. They feel loved and cared as who they are, with all the strengths and weaknesses.
Visible progress
It’s important to show children where they started and how far they’ve come and ask them how that makes them feel. The journey of learning, making progress and creating changes truly makes us feel happy and alive, not the ending result.