This study shows that if children have a "strong interest" in dinosaurs, they will gain a lot of useful things from it. For example, children's perseverance will be strengthened, their concentration will be improved, and their ability to deal with complex information will be improved.
Before that, there was a "cutest supervisor": the child cried because of the construction site shutdown, because of his obsession with excavators.
In addition, there are people who are obsessed with clay sculpture, cooking and even insects.
Some parents don't understand why children are so persistent and devoted to something. Will this affect other aspects of development?
Don't worry, children with these characteristics are probably "interested" learners.
What is a lover with strong interests?
A strong interest in learners means that children are fascinated by a particular thing and addicted to it.
The researchers found that about 1/3 of preschool children will show great interest in something, even to the extent of obsession.
Interest is an important symbol for children to take the first step of growth in this world.
All parents can find that their children are highly focused on what they are interested in after birth. This innate ability to be touched, inspired and interested by something is a feature of life and does not require training.
Finding this is especially important for children's growth.
Let children tend to something, something's interest, is the beginning, is the beginning of the baby really take a step. Children will attach their attention to something firmly, so that their feelings and minds will all enter the thing, just like water is put into a container.
Sensitive period is the key to cultivate children's interest.
Montessori, an expert in early childhood education, first raised the issue of children's sensitive education, demanding that children's education be strengthened in a timely manner during the sensitive period.
The so-called sensitive period of children means that at a certain stage in the development of life, people will be particularly sensitive to certain stimuli of the external environment, thus affecting their psychological operation or psychological reaction and showing special likes and dislikes or feelings for something.
When children enter the sensitive period, there will be an irresistible force in their hearts, which will drive them to show their enthusiasm for trying or learning the specific things they are interested in and try their best to absorb what they are exposed to. This period is called "critical period" by educators, that is, the sensitive period is the best stage to acquire some ability.
At this stage, children can acquire various abilities easily and effectively. Montessori stressed that it is necessary to create conditions and environments suitable for children to develop their various abilities.
How to correctly guide children to discover their interests?
First, encourage children to take the initiative to try their talents and skills.
When children say they don't know their hobbies, don't worry too much or enroll in various cram schools.
This will only make children feel bored and miss their own specialties. We should respect children's wishes, encourage them to actively try their talents and skills, and concentrate on finding their own interests.
Second, don't set goals for your children.
Parents should not set goals for their children when they are ready to try a talent, which will easily dampen their self-confidence and enthusiasm.
Cultivating interest is a relatively casual thing, so we should keep the attitude of "following the Buddha's nature". Without the restraint of pressure and the supervision of parents, children's interests can "come and go in a hurry", so that they will not be utilitarian when practicing, and they can devote themselves wholeheartedly to it.
Finally, reduce the time children spend playing mobile phones and computers.
Parents should reduce their children's time playing with mobile phones and computers, and often take their children outdoors to play or participate in various activities, so that children can feel the real life and determine their hobbies according to their love and specialty for something.
Mom and dad should accept the fact that children's interests are completely different from ours. They are completely independent. Even if a child's interest seems simple and naive, we can't ignore its existence.
As parents, what we need to do is to take the initiative to accept children's interests and respect their own interests, instead of imposing our interests on children. We can also actively create certain conditions and space to encourage children to develop their own interests.
In fact, respecting children's interests is to make them happy, which is the best gift we can give them. Cultivating children's interest provides fertile soil for their growth.