Natural Way of Learning for Kids

1. Kids Naturally Take on Challenges:
When children are given options, they explore and take on challenges with enthusiasm. Our constant interruptions or instructions often hinder this natural curiosity. It’s vital to recognize that children learn best when they’re free to make their own choices, even if those choices don’t always align with our adult expectations.

2. Guiding Without Overstepping:
While it’s important to guide our children and set boundaries, we must be careful not to impose strict limitations that suppress their natural behavior. Instead of immediately correcting them, we need to observe and guide subtly, especially if they’re engaging in activities that might seem ‘against nature’ but are part of their learning process.

3. Learning Beyond A4 Paper:
Children learn in various ways, not just within the confines of an A4 sheet. They may prefer drawing on the walls or creating patterns on the floor. When we restrict them to a sheet of paper, we inadvertently limit their creativity. Giving them the freedom to experiment with different surfaces and textures, like floors and walls, enhances their sensory experiences and allows for broader learning.

4. The Need for Freedom and Space:
A child needs the freedom to explore their environment without unnecessary restrictions. When they have space to play, move, and create, they thrive. No child should be limited to small spaces or confined areas; they need room to imagine, experiment, and sometimes, make a mess. In fact, a house with kids that isn’t messy may indicate a lack of natural play. It’s through this ‘messiness’ that they explore the world around them.

5. Setting Reasonable Limits:
While freedom is crucial, it’s also essential to establish reasonable limits. Knowing where to draw the line helps children understand boundaries and develop a sense of discipline, but these boundaries should be flexible enough to encourage exploration and creativity.

6. The Essence of Natural Learning:
True learning happens everywhere—whether they are playing in the mud or painting on walls. The process involves:
– Overall freedom, where they do things in their own unique way.
– Passion, as they engage with activities that spark their interest.
– Imagination, allowing them to explore new ideas and solutions.
– Self-evaluation, where they assess their actions and outcomes.
– Quality of effort, where even seemingly pointless activities carry a logic that only they understand.

7. Not Everything Is ‘Pointless’
We often dismiss certain activities as pointless, but for children, each action has a purpose. Whether they’re stacking blocks, scribbling on walls, or playing with clay, they are learning constantly. Like breathing, learning is a natural, ongoing process for kids.

8. Observing Children’s Learning Everywhere:
As parents, we must observe and appreciate the countless ways our children learn—even in situations that seem unproductive to us. Every interaction, every moment spent playing with objects, is a learning opportunity. Instead of limiting our view, we should broaden it to understand the learning potential in each activity.

9. Empathy and Understanding:
Lastly, through this journey of natural learning, we, as parents, start to empathize better with our children. It’s not about overwhelming them with instructions but rather understanding their world and guiding them with compassion.

In conclusion, the natural way of learning is an incredible process driven by curiosity, exploration, and freedom. Our role is not to control every aspect of their lives but to provide them with the space, support, and occasional guidance they need to grow and learn in their unique ways. Let’s embrace this natural journey and let our children learn as freely as they breathe.