Raising a self-learner

MANILA, Philippines - “Children need mentors and models who will guide them.”

This message encapsulated the session that Dr. Melissa Lopez Reyes, Applied Cognitive and Education Specialist, gave parents who attended the first leg of Kumon Philippines Education and Parenting Seminar held last May 22 in SM Mall of Asia. Reyes emphasized that parenting, more than choosing the right school or getting the best set of teachers, is actively pursuing your child’s full potential. “There are potentially no limits to your child’s abilities,” said Reyes.

How does a parent recognize a self-learner? Reyes compared self-learners with competitive athletes who “maintain their morale and motivation, and play for the thrill and fulfillment of being in the game.” In the same light, a self-learner is “a child who, when he doesn’t understand a concept, will relate that to what he already knows and discover the meaning for himself. The child finds fulfillment in knowing that he can do and know more.”

However, children are not born self-learners. Self-learning is learned, and parental support is essential to properly motivate the child.

The key to raising the child as a self-learner is teaching him heart, hand, and head. “Allow them to do things, make them love what they do, and train the mind to understand what they do,” explained Reyes. “Regardless of age, there are three things you have to do for your children: demand from your child, engage your child, and set him up for success.”

Reyes cautioned that teaching the child how to self-learn requires cooperation and a whole lot of patience from both parents and children, but most especially the parents. “Measuring tools such as exams are not used as barometers for your child’s worth, but as ways to monitor the progress of your child’s ability to learn,” Reyes said. “We must recognize that in learning, even parents are beneficiaries. When you raise your children to be self-learners, you give them the ability to teach themselves any thing, and that will allow them to continually master skills in many areas whether or not formal training is available. In the end, you create a harmonious relationship between fulfilled adults - you as parents - and your children as responsible and capable grown-ups.”

The next leg of the Kumon Philippines’ Education and Parenting Seminar will be held at SM City Pampanga on July 24, followed by SM Cebu on Aug. 28. Interested attendees may register by visiting http://ph.kumonglobal.com. Admission is free. For more information, contact 8850226.