Learning is a two-way process. Children should be able to ask questions when they want to know the answers to their “whys” and answer when they are asked something. In doing so, interactions at home become more productive since children and parents can learn from each other. Encouraging children to ask and answer questions can create a learning environment where their innate curiosity is stimulated.
However, some children might be more reserved than others, making asking and answering questions challenging for them. As parents, you can create an opportunity for children to get into a learning-conducive discussion and discover more about the world around them.
1. Create a relaxed environment
Creating an environment where children feel more relaxed and comfortable is essential if you want to encourage them to ask questions. Your child must feel confident enough to voice their opinions, answers, and additional questions about their lesson, be it at home or in the classroom. Make your home a safe place for asking questions so your child won’t feel anxious.
2. Applaud curiosity
Another effective way to encourage your child to ask questions is to applaud their curiosity. Curiosity is, after all, a powerful driver of learning. If they ask about something, you can compliment your child for it. This strategy can work effectively, especially on introverted children. When a child feels their questions are being shut down, they might feel like their questions are not as valuable as others. After your child asks something, saying “I’m glad you asked,” or “That’s an excellent point!” is enough to motivate them to continue asking questions.
3. Take time to answer
Taking time to answer your child’s questions thoughtfully and carefully is also one of the indications that you can show your children that asking questions is a positive thing. If children see their parents interested and pondering over the answers to their inquiries, they feel like their thoughts and questions are given importance. If parents show the child that they are receptive when they ask questions, it will help them build confidence in inquiring whenever they want to know something new.
4. Ask questions
Since learning is a two-way process, you too can also ask your child open-ended questions to continue the conversation. Asking your child questions trains them to organise their thoughts to answer them correctly. Your child can also improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the process.
5. Open opportunities for discussions
Additionally, you can also set aside time for your child to talk about what they have studied in school. Through an open and free discussion, you are giving them an opportunity to voice out what they are thinking, while interacting with them as they learn. It can be after your child’s study time or during family dinner time. Asking your child questions about their subjects allows you to gauge how much they are learning from school. If you feel like they are having difficulty in challenging subjects, such as Maths, you can consider enrolling them in an Maths tuition course in Singapore.
Make Learning Engaging with Math Academia
Encouraging class participation is essential, but it may put a pressure on your child. At Math Academia, we can engage with our students during our E Math, A Math, IP Math, and JC Math tuition classes through our interactive lessons. Allowing our students in Singapore to join small group discussions, ask questions, and answer them confidently makes learning math more fun and engaging.
Are you searching for a math tuition centre for your child? Enrol in our Maths tuition and other classes in Singapore. Our team of tutors can help your child learn Math more interactively and be more confident in asking and answering questions. Get in touch with us to know more about our classes and schedule.