Asking the Right Kind of Questions

A great way to build a learning environment in your home begins with a common question that parents ask every night to their budding geniuses: “Do you have homework?” This question is very “task” oriented, meaning that there is some task that has been given to the student by someone else to be completed and it can be completed with varying levels of engagement. A better question and one which leads to a daily practice is: “What will you be studying tonight?”

This question leads to different mindset. It leads the student to a disciplined practice instead of simply completing a task.

If you want to get your academic year off to a great start, establish these three things in your learning home:

1) Practice with them.

Designate a time each night that the family studies together…sit at the dining table or in the living room for 30-60 minutes twice a week to begin with. (You can work your way up to every night!) No electronics. No distractions. Show them how to practice deliberate study.

2) Read with them.

Read a school assigned novel with your child. This is a great way to show that you are interested in what they are studying and it will help you to understand what they are trying to navigate and learn. It also makes excellent dinner conversation!

3) Search with them.

If your child asks you a question that you don’t immediately know the answer to, pause and take a deep breath. Ask them to explain to you what they know about the topic. Review the chapter in the text with them to look for clues. The point is not to know the answers, but to teach them how to find and work toward a solution. It is one of the greatest gifts you can give!

Remember: You are here to serve your child, not the other way around. You have been given a gift -- pass it forward!