Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

When choosing curriculum, parents can fall into the trap of focusing on content without considering whether their child will find the materials motivating. Debra Bell, the director of the Home School Resource Center, joins Michael Farris, Chairman and General Counsel of the Home School Legal Defense Association, to continue their discussion of 10 ways to motivate their reluctant learner, on this edition of Home School Heartbeat.

Michael Farris:

Debra, yesterday you shared three ways moms can motivate their kids to learn. First, you can seek God's help. Second, you can adapt your methods as necessary. And third, you can make sure that your methods are actually motivating your student. So what are your next three?

Debra Bell:

Well, my next recommendation is to evaluate the resources we're using. Now there are so many great products out there, we really can afford to try a few different ones. Another strategy is to assess our learning environment. Most kids learn best where there are boundaries, structure, and expectation. And young children especially will be affected by any stressors. If there is unresolved conflict between family members, kids have a hard time staying focused. Finally, make sure timely accountability is in place. Kids rarely finish a task where there is no clear deadline or no purposeful evaluation. I've used tests quizzes, and grades, but I've also found that my kids do their best work when they've had the opportunity to share it with an outside audience�say, a writer's group or a special program at our co-op.

Michael Farris:

Moms and dads, if you have a reluctant learner at your house, take the time to do some evaluating. It will help you get back on the right track.