International Children's Day (June 1): To help children become creative and happy citizens of the future

Learning in an environment that nurtures curiosity and respects differences gives children the opportunity to become lifelong learners, creating new values ​​that drive change for society.

MSc. Dinh Van Mai believes that nowadays knowledge is no longer received in one direction but needs to inspire children to explore and create for themselves. (Photo: NVCC)

That is the opinion of MSc. Dinh Van Mai, soft skills lecturer, Student Capacity Development Center, Van Lang University on International Children's Day (June 1).

MSc. Dinh Van Mai emphasized that parents connect and guide children to explore the world around them by asking questions and listening to their opinions. In particular, they should change from being “commanders” to “initiators and supporters”. Instead of placing expectations on children to “be the best”, parents can discuss learning goals that children feel are suitable for themselves.

In your opinion, why does nurturing joy in learning and discovery play an important role in shaping children's motivation to learn from an early age?

“Every day at school is a happy day” is a friendly slogan in creating and nurturing the joy of learning in each child. Learning is a happy journey where each child grows up in curiosity, love and discovery of knowledge under the guidance of parents and teachers. The joy of going to class is the sustainable motivation for learning.

When children feel happy, respected and accepted, they will easily open their hearts to receive knowledge and develop their personality. Excitement and curiosity will help children proactively seek knowledge instead of learning because of pressure or expectations from adults. Children actively participate in learning activities, discuss and ask questions.

This makes children strive to study, eliminates boredom, and reduces the dropout rate. Some studies also show that joy in learning can increase the ability to remember and absorb information. In particular, joy in learning helps children confidently interact with teachers and friends in class and at school. From there, children can develop communication skills, teamwork, listening, and responding appropriately. These skills are very important for children's future development.

In reality, many parents often place high expectations on their children. This can easily make children feel pressured and anxious. In your opinion, how can adults accompany children without accidentally losing their joy and natural motivation to learn?

Accompanying children on their journey of happy learning is the responsibility of parents and teachers. To motivate learning, adults first need to set an example for children by sharing what you are learning, reading books, watching documentaries or other learning activities with children, leading children to participate in extracurricular and outdoor activities.

Through this, parents connect and guide children to explore the world around them by asking questions and listening to their opinions. In particular, switch from being “commanders” to “initiators and supporters”. Instead of placing expectations on children to “be the best”, parents can discuss with children about learning goals that they feel are suitable for them. Importantly, parents need to listen and respect, accept differences and acknowledge the efforts throughout the learning process of children.

So what are the signs that help identify a child who is learning with joy and eagerness to explore, versus a child who is learning out of fear of judgment or pressure from expectations?

The joy of learning is a long-term foundation that motivates children to learn knowledge. Meanwhile, studying under pressure can make children stressed, reduce learning efficiency, and affect mental health. Parents need to observe their children's daily expressions to promptly accompany and support them to be excited and love learning. A child who is studying with joy and eagerness to explore will often ask the questions "why", "what if...?". They will be proactive and self-motivated to study, instead of being reminded many times.

"It is important that parents listen and respect, accept differences and acknowledge their children's efforts throughout their learning process."

During the learning process, children like to give opinions, new ideas, volunteer to share with the class, and contribute to the lesson. Children tell others what they have learned. A positive learning spirit is also shown through bright eyes, a cheerful face, and a comfortable attitude when studying.

Children who study out of fear of being judged or pressured by expectations often lack interest, appear tired, bored, procrastinate, only study when supervised by parents, and worry when speaking or doing homework. If they do not achieve high scores or do wrong homework, they will blame themselves. Children do not dare to tell their parents about their difficulties in studying, and hide their poor scores. In particular, they feel inferior, inferior to their friends, and compare their learning results with others.

Can you share some specific ways that parents and teachers can use to stimulate children's intrinsic interest in learning, rather than relying on rewards or commands?

Indeed, parents and teachers can apply many different ways to stimulate children's interest in learning from within, instead of relying on rewards or commands. That is, convert dry knowledge content into games, stories or vivid images to help children absorb knowledge in a gentle and interesting way. Apply online learning platforms/fun learning games for children to participate with their parents, thereby increasing the connection between parents and children, stimulating their curiosity and desire to learn.

At the same time, record the meaningful learning journey of children with pictures and short videos like a diary to look back, acknowledge efforts, and encourage children. Create a friendly learning space so that both parents and children can learn, read, and listen to each other. In addition, parents and children experience practical activities such as visiting museums, taking care of gardens, learning to draw, doing volunteer work, etc. Thereby, nurturing the spirit of learning from experience. Learning will be truly meaningful when children feel happy and accompanied. Therefore, parents and teachers should be patient and go step by step with children.

In the context of current educational and social transformation, how do you evaluate the role of the school environment in nurturing children's spirit of self-discovery and creativity?

In the context of current educational and social transformation, knowledge is no longer received in one direction but needs to be inspired for children to explore and create on their own. The school environment is an important soil to sow the seeds of creativity, nurturing the spirit of independent learning. From there, forming future global citizens.

Learning in an environment that nurtures curiosity and respects differences will help children have the opportunity to become lifelong learners, creating new values ​​that promote change for society. To create a creative environment, each teacher must not only teach but also inspire and motivate students.

At the same time, the school applies a variety of effective learning methods such as project-based learning, creating real products, and promoting innovation competitions to encourage the spirit of self-study and creativity in each student.

On International Children's Day (June 1), do you have any message for parents and educators about creating a positive, inspiring and safe learning world for children?

On this occasion, I wish every child to have access to education in an inspiring, safe and happy world. It is the loving, patient and tolerant companionship of parents and teachers that will help today's children become creative and happy citizens of the future.

More than ever, each child does not need to become a perfect version of anyone or the expectations of adults. What is important is that they need an environment full of love, respect, and true potential within themselves.

Thank you!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ngay-quoc-te-thieu-nhi-16-de-tre-em-tro-thanh-cong-dan-sang-tao-hanh-phuc-trong-tuong-lai-315756.html