Building a Love of Learning—One Fun Project at a Time

When your child is having fun, they’re not “just playing.” They’re asking questions. They’re trying new things. They’re building confidence. And most importantly? They’re learning to love learning.

That’s the secret: the best kind of learning doesn’t always feel like schoolwork. It feels like discovery, curiosity, and joy.

“The more enjoyable a learning experience is, the more likely the brain is to retain the information.”

— Dr. Judy Willis, neurologist and learning expert

“Meaningful learning experiences are those that spark curiosity, invite experimentation, and encourage children to make connections—all of which are enhanced by fun.” -NAEYC

Why Fun Matters

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), when children learn through engaging, enjoyable experiences, they’re more likely to develop self-confidence, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities—skills that benefit them far beyond academics.

Think about the last time your child got excited about something—really excited. Maybe they were mixing slime, designing stickers, or setting up their “store” at the kitchen table. In those moments, they weren’t waiting to be taught. They were leading the learning themselves.

That spark is what builds a growth mindset. It turns mistakes into experiments. It turns effort into excitement. And when kids associate learning with fun, they’re more likely to stick with it—even when things get hard.

Your Role? Fuel the Curiosity

You don’t need to be a teacher or run the show. Just by being present—cheering them on, asking what they’re up to, and celebrating their little wins—you’re reinforcing that learning is worth it. That it's something to enjoy, not just endure.

Every encouraging word, every proud smile, adds to their inner voice: “I’m good at figuring things out.”“Trying something new is exciting.”“Even when I mess up, I’m learning.”

Building a Love of Learning—One Fun Project at a Time

Our goal isn’t just to help kids build a business. It’s to help them build curiosity, creativity, and confidence. When a child enjoys their first entrepreneurial experience, they walk away with more than a few dollars—they leave with a sense of ownership over their learning.

And that’s something they’ll carry with them for life.

So when your child wants to try something new—say yes. When they get excited about a project—lean in. When they light up with pride—remind them that this is what learning can feel like.

Because when learning is fun, kids don’t just do it—they want it.

---

About the Author

Suzanne Appel is the founder of Young CEO Squad, a hands-on entrepreneurship program for 8–12-year-olds that’s been used in schools across the U.S. With over 25 years in digital marketing and a passion for empowering future leaders, Suzanne helps educators bring real-world business skills into the classroom—no business background required. She believes every kid can start a business, and every teacher can help them do it.