Raising Lifelong Learners — a Ten Day Series

I say that I want to raise my children to be lifelong learners. In conversations with other parents – homeschoolers and nonhomeschoolers alike – I hear them say it’s something they feel is important, too.

But what does it mean to be raising lifelong learners? What does it look like, from a practical standpoint?

Wikipedia defines lifelong learning as, “the on-going, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge,” and goes on to explain that it promotes “active citizenship and personal development.”

I agree, and would take it a step further. I think that yes, a lifelong learner is an active citizen and always in pursuit of knowledge. More importantly, though, I think a lifelong learner is a critical thinker. 

He or she can look at the world and see what works and what doesn’t… and then figure out ways to make it better. 

Lifelong learners are world-changers. I want to raise my kids to look at the world and change it for the better. I don’t want them to settle for what they’re told it should look like — I want them to be the change we need.

I want them to be lifelong learners who are ready to take action.

How about you?

Over the next two weeks, I’m joining the bloggers of iHomeschool Network on another 10-day Hopscotch. This time, I’m exploring what it means to be a lifelong learner. 

We’ll talk definitions, scenarios, examples, and practical ideas and activities that you can use to help your kids grow into lifelong learners. 

My kids are bright, but I don’t want them to become complacent in their gifts. I want them always striving to learn more, be more, discover more…

After all, whether your kids are gifted, special needs, average, one of the most important things you can do for them is instill a love of learning. 

With that, they can accomplish almost anything.

So, what do you think? Will you join me?

What are some ways that you help your kids discover their own love of learning?