How to Start a Child’s Education Journey: My Personal Experience

Starting a child’s education journey is more than just about books and schools; it’s about building curiosity, joy, and a love for learning from the very beginning. As a mom and a tutor, I’ve been through the ups and downs of this process with my own child and the many students I work with daily. Here’s how I started my daughter's learning journey and what I’ve learned along the way.

The Power of Curiosity

I remember when my daughter was just starting to speak, and her favorite word was “why?” It felt like every little thing needed an explanation – why is the sky blue, why do birds fly, why can’t I have candy for dinner? It was exhausting at times, but that’s when I realized something important: learning doesn’t begin with schools or textbooks; it starts with curiosity.

Instead of shutting down her endless questions, I decided to embrace them. We would sit together and try to find answers, sometimes through simple explanations, and other times by looking at books or videos. I encouraged her to explore things on her own, whether it was through touching leaves during a walk or experimenting with water and toys during bath time. The more curious she became, the more she wanted to learn, and that’s when her education journey truly began.

Play is the Best Teacher

One thing I noticed, especially as a tutor, is how kids learn best when they’re having fun. My daughter loved to build things – blocks, Legos, and even makeshift forts with pillows and bedsheets. While it looked like simple play, I saw how these activities taught her problem-solving, creativity, and even basic math concepts like counting and measuring without her realizing it.

We incorporated playful activities into our daily routine. For example, when we went grocery shopping, we would count fruits, sort them by color, or compare sizes. It became a game, but she was learning essential skills in the process. Kids don’t need to sit at a desk for hours; they learn through every interaction when it’s playful and engaging.

Books: Our Everyday Ritual

Reading is something I personally love, and I wanted my daughter to enjoy it too. But at first, she wasn’t interested. She would flip through the pages and then walk away. I wondered if I was pushing her too soon, but then I realized that I needed to make it part of our routine, without any pressure.

We made reading a part of our bedtime ritual. Every night, we’d pick a book, sit together, and read aloud. I didn’t worry about whether she understood every word, but I focused on the experience. Over time, she began asking questions about the stories, and eventually, she started looking forward to it. Now, books are her comfort zone, and she even likes making up her own stories.

Learning Through Everyday Life

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that education doesn’t just happen in a classroom; it’s in everyday life. One day, while cooking dinner, I realized it was the perfect time to teach my daughter basic math. We counted spoons of rice, measured water, and talked about how heat changes things. She loved being a part of the process, and without even knowing it, she was learning math and science.

Similarly, while we were out in the garden, we talked about the different types of plants, the insects we saw, and why the sun feels warm. These small moments add up, and they are the foundation of a child’s education. They learn not just through what we teach but through what they experience.

Balancing Screen Time and Outdoor Play

Like most parents today, I struggled with managing screen time. With so many educational apps and videos available, it’s easy to rely on technology. But I realized that too much screen time affected her ability to focus on other activities. So, we set a rule: screen time was limited, and outdoor play was mandatory.

Outdoor play became her favorite part of the day. We would go to the park, ride bicycles, and play games. These activities not only kept her physically active but also helped her develop social skills, creativity, and even problem-solving when figuring out how to build a sandcastle or climb a tree.

Every Child Learns Differently

One thing I’ve come to appreciate as both a mom and a tutor is that every child learns differently. While some kids love sitting with a book, others learn better through hands-on activities or listening to stories. I noticed this with my students too. Some are visual learners, while others understand better when things are explained verbally.

With my daughter, I adapted the learning process based on what worked for her. Some days, she would learn a new concept through drawing, other times through a story or song. Being flexible and observing how your child learns is key to making education enjoyable and effective.

Final Thoughts

The journey of education is not a straight path, and it’s definitely not just about grades or memorizing facts. It’s about building a love for learning in everything they do, whether it's through play, books, or even a walk in the park. As parents, we have the opportunity to make that journey a positive one by embracing curiosity, encouraging play, and finding learning moments in everyday life.

For me, this journey has been as much about discovery as it has been for my daughter. We’ve learned together, laughed together, and yes, sometimes struggled together. But that’s what makes it real, and in the end, that’s what makes it worthwhile.

I’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts!

Every child’s education journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. I’ve shared my personal experience, but I’m curious – how did you or someone you know begin this important journey? What strategies worked, and what challenges did you face? Feel free to share your thoughts, tips, or even your own experiences in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and help make education a joyful experience for every child!