Child-Centered Learning: The Solution to ‘School Battles’

Suddenly, you find yourself juggling multiple roles: teacher, assistant, lesson planner, disciplinarian, monitor, and lunch provider—all at once. It’s no wonder you might feel overwhelmed or anxious, especially with your kids reacting to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus. The reality is this: you can’t do it all.

Many educators had mere days to adapt to remote learning (I know a couple personally). Some were handed packets by their school districts that set impossibly high expectations for both parents and students in an already chaotic environment. That’s where child-centered learning comes into play. Just like you turn to comfort food in times of stress, your child seeks comfort in learning. Child-centered learning provides that sense of stability while still achieving educational goals.

What is Child-Centered Learning?

So, what exactly is child-centered learning? Also known as student-directed learning, this approach focuses on an interactive environment where children construct their own understanding. According to ContinuED, this method resembles play, which leads to greater engagement and allows kids to learn at their own pace. Research from a school in Switzerland demonstrates that children educated this way experienced significantly less anxiety and reported having much happier childhoods.

Child-centered learning operates on the premise that your child is inherently curious and eager to learn. They don’t need to be coerced into education; instead, they should have the freedom to choose what fascinates them. It might not be your preferred educational path, but it’s theirs— and that’s the essence of this approach.

Recognizing Your Child’s Interests

When your child is allowed to choose their learning subjects, you’ll notice it immediately. What ignites their curiosity? What topics do they endlessly talk about? For instance, my eldest is enamored with Celtic mythology and Dungeons & Dragons, while my middle son is fascinated by amphibians. My youngest? He dives into video games and complex board games designed for adults, and he’s only six. Each of them has found their passion.

Resources for Child-Directed Learning

Now, you might be wondering what to do next. Typically, I would suggest hitting the library, but given our current situation, the internet is a treasure trove for child-directed learning. Platforms like YouTube, when supervised, offer a wealth of information on virtually any topic. There are documentaries, educational websites, lesson plans, and even podcasts. My oldest enjoys “Common Descent,” a podcast about evolution, and “Blurry Photos,” which explores mysterious phenomena.

My son engages in activities that blend various subjects—he constructs detailed Greek temples out of LEGOs while practicing math by measuring them and narrating myths to his siblings. He keeps track of story timelines and writes about his findings. We embrace his reading choices, as any reading is valuable in our home. They learn science through the world around them, thanks to my husband’s background in field biology. We also watch documentaries they select. Interested in map skills? They can track UFO sightings on the Mutual UFO Network website.

Encouraging Exploration

Get imaginative and provide your kids with ideas, then let them explore. Initially, they might need guidance since they aren’t used to a learning format that allows them to pursue their interests. Struggling with math? Cooking offers a practical application of fractions. All of this contributes to child-centered learning, and it’s a regular part of our household. My kids thrive in this environment.

The End Goal

So, what’s the end goal of this approach? It’s worth considering what you want your child to gain from this period of social distancing. Do you wish for them to master long division, only to be met with reviews once school resumes? Or do you prefer they emerge with resilience, essential life skills, and a love for learning? Wouldn’t you rather they develop the ability to navigate challenges, collaborate with others, and maintain their curiosity—whether that means reading about Bigfoot or training the dog?

I choose the latter. We’ve been practicing child-centered learning since my kids started school. Sure, we sometimes have to enforce math lessons, but my eight-year-old can identify species of toads and deliver engaging summaries. They’re happy and enthusiastic learners, and that’s more than enough for me. In these stressful times, perhaps this approach will resonate with you too.

Summary

Child-centered learning helps children thrive by allowing them to pursue their interests, fostering a love for learning and crucial skills while reducing anxiety during challenging times.