Lifelong Learning

We teachers often talk about creating a love of lifelong learning. When you think about it, you spend more of your life out of school than in it. It makes sense that learning is a worthwhile activity, one that you will benefit more from if you enjoy it.

The thing is, we don’t know it’s happening until it has happened. Oh sure, we see the skill we’re practising improve. We know the cake recipe was a disaster the first time we tried it, but now it’s a walk in the park.

But we can’t feel the learning attaching itself to whatever it should be attaching itself to. A brain scientist might give you a detailed explanation of learning. So would a teacher. Or a sports coach.

Shout out to any brain scientists/coaches/teachers out there–leave me a comment.

If you’re a parent, you marvelled at watching your child learn to walk. Those first few steps, arms held wide, concentration written large on a tiny face, are something for the highlight reels.

The acquisition of language is a similar wonder, from a couple of words mispronounced to complete sentences in the space of a couple of years. And both are learned before a child comes anywhere near a school. (Don’t forget toilet training, manners, turn-taking in games and conversations, self-care, dressing).

You are your child’s first teacher. Is the learning fun for them? Of course, it is. What parent hasn’t congratulated a child who has mastered a life skill? And what child hasn’t shown off their newly acquired talent?