How to make sure school engages your child’s curiosity rather than leaving them bored
Most schools these days practise a student-driven approach to learning which encourages pupils to think for themselves, tackle challenges and discuss ideas. If your child is bored in class, here’s what you can do
My Year 2 son finds school boring and isn’t excited by it at all, a Hong Kong parent writes. His teacher is quite strict and he seems to make them do a lot of worksheets. At home he’s chatty, interested in everything and always asking questions. I thought the education system had improved.
Firstly, your son’s curious nature is an extremely positive attribute, which should be nurtured and encouraged. Recent studies show that children who are curious, solve problems and take responsibility for their own learning generally do better at school and are more successful in later life.
On the whole, education has improved for children like your son in the sense that most schools promote teaching that is less didactic, encouraging pupils to think for themselves, tackle challenges and discuss ideas with others. Primary schools in particular tend to use fewer textbooks or worksheets than in the past, and rote learning (a memorisation technique) and similar types of activities are much less common.
This student-driven approach to learning, in which pupils have the flexibility to ask innovative questions and research areas of interest, takes into account the latest research in brain development, aiming for children to become flexible, lifelong learners. I’d be surprised if your son’s school has not taken some of this on board, as education these days needs to equip the new generation for a world where jobs require flexible thinking and problem-solving skills.
Bear in mind that Year 2 boys are still quite immature and not always ready for the formality and structure of school. Many boys of your son’s age wouldn’t choose to sit down and concentrate on academic activities for periods of time. They would rather be physically active, doing practical activities and – let’s be honest – playing.
In the Netherlands, for example, children often don’t start school until the age of seven, when they are considered ready to learn in a more formal environment.