One of NISD core beliefs is that all students will be learners who are ready to tackle the 21st Century by building on eight different attributes. Here at Lieck we will support, guide, and build on these characteristics through our class meetings and guidance lessons. Every month we will spotlight one of the NISD Learner Profiles. Students will explore each profile and we will post a learner profile with dinner table talk conversation starters for our Lieck families to explore at home. Table Talk is a great way for families to connect and strengthen relationships with each other.
For the month of March we will be focusing on the NISD Learner Profile, Learner. A learner Seeks to deepen knowledge and understanding. A learner goes beyond just completing assignments or memorizing information. They are genuinely curious and motivated to fully understand ideas, concepts, and skills at a deeper level.
A learner:
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Asks meaningful questions to clarify and expand their understanding.
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Makes connections between new learning and what they already know.
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Looks for the “why” and “how,” not just the correct answer.
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Reflects on feedback and uses it to improve.
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Practices persistence, especially when learning feels challenging.
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Explores additional resources such as books, discussions, research, or hands-on experiences.
They understand that learning is a continuous process. Instead of aiming for quick answers, they aim for growth. By seeking deeper understanding, they build critical thinking skills, confidence, and the ability to apply knowledge in meaningful, real-world ways.
Cultivating Life Long Learners
We all want our children to thrive academically, but it’s equally important to foster their love for learning beyond the confines of school. By nurturing a mindset of being a lifelong learner, we can empower children to become self-directed individuals who embrace personal growth, explore their passions, and persist through challenges.
A lifelong learner is a self-directed individual who is focused on personal growth and development. They possess a sense of wonder and curiosity, initiate learning for both personal and professional fulfillment, apply their knowledge successfully, identify strengths and areas for growth, persist through difficulties, and see risks as opportunities to fail forward. Cultivating these qualities in children can equip them with the tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
6 Strategies to Foster Lifelong Learning in Your Child
1. Encourage Curiosity and Wonder
Nurture your child’s natural sense of curiosity by asking open-ended questions, encouraging exploration, and providing opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. Foster a sense of wonder by exposing them to diverse subjects, cultures, and experiences through books, museums, nature walks, and engaging conversations.
2. Support Personal Growth and Passions
Help your child identify their interests and passions. Encourage them to set goals, explore new hobbies, and pursue activities aligned with their unique talents and inclinations. Provide resources, such as books, online courses, or local clubs, to support their personal growth and encourage continuous learning in areas that ignite their curiosity.
3. Emphasize the Process of Learning
Shift the focus from solely outcome-driven achievements to the process of learning. Teach your child the value of perseverance, resilience, and the joy of acquiring new knowledge and skills. Celebrate their efforts, progress, and the lessons they learn along the way, fostering a growth mindset that sees setbacks as opportunities for growth.
4. Promote a Supportive Learning Environment
Create an environment that values open communication, where your child feels safe to express their thoughts, opinions, and questions. Encourage them to seek diverse perspectives, engage in healthy debates, and actively listen to others. Foster an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and understanding, allowing your child to develop essential social and emotional skills.
5. Lead by Example
Be a role model for lifelong learning. Demonstrate your own passion for learning, whether it’s through reading, pursuing personal interests, or engaging in continuous professional development. Involve your child in your own learning journey, sharing your experiences and encouraging them to join you in exploring new topics or skills.
6. Balance Well-being and Learning
Help your child understand the importance of nurturing their overall well-being. Encourage them to maintain a balance between their physical, mental, and emotional health. Promote activities such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and creative outlets like art, music, or writing, which contribute to their holistic development as lifelong learners.
Adapted from iLEAD Digest posted on September 1, 2023
