The FUN in Learning!

Why is it that when you google "fun learning" that you get a bunch of websites with preschool toys? Here's another question; Why do software companies make fun, playful educational software for up to 12 year olds and then all of the software turns into textbooks on cd? I'll tell you why, society is having a hard time keeping up with technology!

Look at all of the wonderful resources there are for young children. Then, take a look at all of the great videos and software they are making for continuing education for adults that want to improve themselves for their jobs or just for their own personal satisfaction. Why isn't anyone making those FUN products, USEFUL products for everyone in between? Who decided that the only way that high school and college kids can learn is from textbooks?

Tradition, that's who! Hey, I don't really have anything against traditions. They can be a positive thing. I'm also not knocking textbooks believe it or not. I'm just suggesting that we need to open our mind to all the possibilities.

Most people have heard of learning styles. You know, visual, auditory, tactile/kinesthetic learners. There's also left and right brain preferences.  Of course most educational institutions are aware of these different learning styles and preferences but perhaps the problem is that they don't have the luxury of catering to individual needs because of the quantity of students that they must serve. Just like a manufacturing company, educational institutions must produce the product that is useful to the majority of consumers. Our children, our teens, are the consumers. If your consumer doesn't fit into the learning style that your institution provides then you DO have choices. You DON'T have to just accept what the majority says is correct.

I know. Now you think I'm going to tell you that you have to homeschool in order to provide the learning opportunities that your family needs. Well, that is ONE option.  Most parents want to do what is best for their children and some choose to help their creative learners by homeschooling. It might be something you want to consider but you can do some things to help your learner out even if you do decide to continue with traditional educational methods. Children are natural learners. They have been from the beginning of time. If your child says that they hate learning what they really mean is that the way they are being asked to learn is not a natural way for them.

Whatever "school" you decide on, traditional, homeschool or unschool, there are a few things you can do to put the "FUN" factor back into their  learning experiences. Of course you may have to re-think what is important to you. Are traditions more important or the actual results. What if family and friends don't agree with what we are doing? You have to do what you feel comfortable with. Some of these suggestions may seem ridiculous to you. Take what you think will work for your family and ignore the rest.