What is an affinity?

Affinities start as something that children might be curious to learn more about.  Over time, affinities might become interests, strengths, hobbies or even passions. This might be anything from history to birds to ice skating. Children who explore affinities have higher self-efficacy, motivation, and interest in learning. Students who read extensively about their affinities increase their vocabulary and background knowledge.Affinities must come from the child without influence from parents and may change over time.

Why is it important?

Affinities complement student learning by helping students make connections to the real world. Students are excited to read and write about an area of interest, thereby increasing their motivation for learning. Also, students increase their vocabulary and background knowledge.

What does the research say?

Children who pursue affinities through reading and research have shown significant improvement in all academic areas. As children become “mini-experts” in their area of affinity, they build confidence and self-esteem.

Who decides?

Only the child can decide what their area of affinity will be. As much as parents might want their child’s affinity to be math, we must let children choose their affinity so their motivation for exploring their interests continues.

How can parents support their child’s affinity?

• Help your child find books, articles and online resources about their affinity.
• Take your child on family excursions related to the affinity.
• Spend time pursuing your child’s affinity (cooking, making, doing, etc.)
• Talk with your child about their affinity, asking them for their expertise whenever possible!
• Seek a mentor or practitioner in a field related to your child’s affinity (i.e. for students with animals as an affinity, arrange a conversation with a local veterinarian).