How to Encourage a Love for Learning Before School Begins

3 June 2025

As a parent, one of the most rewarding things you can do for your child is to instill a love for learning before they even set foot in a classroom. It's not about sitting them down with a textbook or giving them endless workbooks—rather, it’s about nurturing their natural curiosity and teaching them that learning is a fun, lifelong journey. But how exactly do you do that when they’re still just toddlers or preschoolers? That’s what we’re going to unpack today.

Why Is It Important to Foster a Love of Learning Early?

Before diving into how to encourage a love for learning, let's first understand why it's so crucial. You know how the early years are often referred to as the "golden years"? Well, that’s because young minds are like sponges—they’re super absorbent. Children's brains develop faster during the first five years than at any other point in their lives. Their experiences during these formative years help shape who they become later in life.

Fostering a love for learning early on helps build these important skills:
- Critical Thinking: They learn how to approach problems creatively and seek solutions.
- Emotional Intelligence: When they understand the world around them, they can better communicate what they feel.
- Curiosity: A desire to explore breeds natural curiosity, something they'll need throughout their life both in and out of school.

Now let’s get practical. How can you make sure you're setting the right foundation?

1. Create a Learning-Rich Environment

Ever walked into a home where there are books, puzzles, or even art supplies within arm's reach for the kids? That’s no accident! A learning-rich environment just means that your home is set up to encourage curiosity and engagement.

Set Up Little Learning Corners

You don't need a designated "classroom" at home, but having areas where your child can engage with different activities can make all the difference. A reading nook, an area for building blocks, or even a small science shelf with magnifying glasses and nature finds can do wonders.

These little touches spark curiosity. Your child sees something new or unfamiliar, and what happens? They ask questions. And when they ask questions, a love for learning is born.

Keep Materials Accessible

Want to make learning irresistible? Make it super easy to engage with. Keep books within their reach, or place an art station where they can freely access paper, crayons, and scissors. When they have the tools at their disposal, they start exploring independently—and learning follows.

2. Model Lifelong Learning

You know that old saying, "Children are like mirrors"? It's true. They do what they see. If you're curious and love learning, your child will pick up on that. They’ll want to understand what has you so interested.

Be Curious Together

If you’re reading a book, let your child see you enjoy it. If you’re cooking a new recipe, talk out loud about what you’re learning. Say things like, “Huh, I didn’t know cabbage could taste this good when roasted!” You’re showing that learning doesn’t stop at any age, and it’s always exciting.

Ask Questions Aloud

You can also pique their curiosity by vocalizing your own questions. For example, while taking a walk outside, you can say: “I wonder how clouds form?” or “I wonder why that flower has so many petals?” This type of modeling encourages them to ask their own questions.

3. Read, Read, and Read Some More

If there's one thing I cannot stress enough, it’s the power of reading. Reading is not just about learning words; it’s about expanding imagination, boosting comprehension, and sparking a love for stories that can last a lifetime.

Make Reading Part of Your Daily Routine

You don’t have to wait until bedtime to read. You can read after breakfast, during playtime, or even while waiting at the doctor’s office. The more you integrate reading into everyday life, the more natural it becomes.

Choose stories based on their interests. If they're into trucks, find books about trucks. If they love animals, dive into some animal adventures. Eventually, they’ll start to associate reading with fun and exploration.

Engage Your Child in the Story

You can make reading interactive. Ask them what they think is going to happen next in the story or how they would feel if they were one of the characters. This keeps them thinking critically and makes reading a more engaging experience.

4. Encourage Play-Based Learning

Play is the work of childhood. Learning through play is probably the most effective way to teach young children before school. It's how they make sense of the world.

Unstructured Play is Key

Unstructured play—letting your child create, imagine, and experiment on their own terms—is magical for learning. When children play, they develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and even motor skills.

Whether they’re building a fort, dressing up as their favorite superhero, or having a tea party with imaginary friends, they're learning how to think critically and independently.

Introduce Educational Games Gently

While unstructured play is essential, don’t shy away from incorporating educational toys and games. But here's a pro tip: start gently. Instead of handing them an educational tablet app, sit down with something simple like puzzles, shape-sorters, or counting games.

For instance, counting while stacking blocks can become a fun math game, and recognizing letters while playing with a magnetic alphabet helps them with language skills.

5. Use Real-World Learning Opportunities

The world is your teaching ground, and you don’t even have to leave the house to make the most of it.

Cooking as a Learning Activity

Next time you're whipping up dinner, invite your little one. Cooking is an underrated educational activity. Think about it—there’s counting, measuring, following sequences, and even a bit of chemistry involved! Let them pour ingredients, mix batter, or measure spices. You’re cultivating a love for learning without them even realizing it.

Nature as an Outdoor Classroom

Nature offers infinite ways for children to learn. Whether you're taking a walk in the park or sitting in your backyard, use the opportunity to explore. Point out interesting things: look at the leaves, watch the birds, and dig for worms. Nature prompts curiosity, and your child will likely have a thousand questions—this is where the magic of learning comes in.

6. Encourage Questions & Let Them Lead

The saying "there's no such thing as a stupid question" exists for a reason. When your child asks a question, encourage it. Sometimes as parents, we’re quick to answer without thinking, or worse, we say “I don’t know” and leave it at that. What if, instead, we said, "I don't know, but let’s find out together!"?

Follow Their Interests

If your little one shows interest in a specific topic—whether it's dinosaurs or astronauts—run with it. Visit the library to pick out books on that subject, watch documentaries together, or take a trip to a museum. Encouraging their interests shows them that learning can always follow their personal passions.

Promote Problem-Solving

Rather than jumping in to solve things for them, ask guiding questions. If they’re struggling with a puzzle, instead of solving it for them, say, “Hmm, I wonder what would happen if we try this piece here?” This encourages them to think critically and problem-solve.

7. Limit Screen Time

In the age of tablets and smartphones, it’s so tempting to let screens do some of the hard work for us. But too much screen time can actually get in the way of a child's ability to focus, engage, and ask questions. The key is balance.

Mind the Content

Not all screen time is bad. There are plenty of educational shows, games, and apps designed to engage young minds, but it’s super important to be mindful of what your child is consuming. Look for interactive programs that cultivate imagination and learning, rather than just passive entertainment.

Set Clear Boundaries

Establishing screen time limits early on teaches your child that screens aren’t the default "boredom buster." Set clear boundaries and encourage alternative activities like reading, playing outdoors, or engaging in hands-on crafts.

Final Thoughts: Make Learning Fun and Holistic

Remember, the goal here isn’t to prepare your child for school; it’s bigger than that. It’s about nurturing an intrinsic love for learning that will stay with them throughout their life. And the best part? You don’t have to be a teacher, you don’t need special tools, and you don’t need to create elaborate lessons. All it takes is a little curiosity, a bit of guidance, and a whole lot of encouragement.

So, let's embrace learning as a fun and natural part of everyday life—because when kids associate learning with joy, excitement, and discovery, they'll carry that love with them into school and beyond.