How Can NLP Help Kids Learn?

       NLP or Neuro-linguistics Programming is really an immense toolbox of techniques and resources that use the way our brain and senses work and interact to help in achieving a desired outcome.  It is based on the research and studies of its founders Dr. Richard Bandler and Dr. John Grinder.  NLP has been around since the 1970"s and has grown to be used by many successful people, companies and, not surprisingly, in the field of education.  It has recently been backed up by research and studies in the field of Neuroscience, which have supported some of its basic hypotheses and premises. Some of the NLP techniques practitioners of NLP and Hypnosis have been using for decades intersect with other popular modalities, such as, Mindfulness, Law of Attraction, Emotional Freedom Technique, Timeline Therapy and more. Some would surmise that NLP and all of these modalities have their roots in prior schools of thought and I would not argue with that. Learning and all progress is without question an evolving process.  NLP techniques are being used to help children learn more, faster and with better comprehension and retention.  Long ago, Buddha said:
 
           “all that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is
            everything. What we think we become.” --The Buddha
 
       If we believe this is true, it is apparent how intentionally shaping our thoughts through the use of NLP can be a remarkable tool for teaching and education. In general, kids are the perfect target audience for learning with NLP.  They are motivated, open and active learners. They take in the world around them and what is going on in it, quite naturally. They absorb information like a sponge absorbs water. How can NLP contribute to and enhance this natural state that kids enjoy? How can it fit into our educational systems to make processes easier or even be used by parents to help in teaching their children? ​

        NLP is a wonderful tool for teaching children because it teaches them to use their brain to be able to express themselves well and understand others with language skills and it gives them a strong foundation for life-long learning.  NLP gives your child tools for learning that help to maintain strong confidence and self-esteem. NLP uses children’s natural perceptual senses. It uses and expands children’s imagination and creativity.  NLP can be used to calm children, motivate them, build confidence or establish trust.  All of these are optimal conditions for education and learning. Techniques sometimes need to be modified for children, but most of the techniques used with adults are also effective with kids.
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         Some effective NLP techniques to use with children are:
 
​      1.  Anchoring – It is setting a positive association that can be used when you want to            replace a negative or traumatic feeling with a more positive or resourceful state.
​      2. Framing – setting a scenario and criteria that allow practice and achievement.
      3.  Metaphor and Story-Telling – this is so fun and appeals to children’s imagination and              is also very effective for learning important lessons. 
      4.  Visualization – If you can see it, you can do it. This is true for children, as well as,                adults and if your child is visual it will work well.
      5. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards – finding those rewards that are important to 
          your child will make a big difference in their motivation and willingness to learn well as, the      speed and retention of learning. 
    6. Modeling – this is an excellent technique for behavior change and can be used so imaginatively to make a strong impression.
      
       These are just a few NLP techniques out of hundreds that can be used to help children learn better and faster. With a little effort most NLP techniques can be used effectively with kids and the results have been amazing. Kate Benson, in an accomplished and licensed Trainer’s Trainer for the NLP Society and also that Director of Education for that organization founded by NLP co-founder, Dr. Richard Bandler. Benson said this, “Why aren’t we using NLP in education?” Dr. Bandler and Kate Benson recently released the co-authored a book: Teaching Excellence. Dr. Bandler said this of Kate Benson:
 
           “Kate Benson is an expert in applying NLP in the education sector.
            She is thoroughly organized, highly skilled and the love for what she
            teaches comes across in her presentations. I guarantee you will 
            thoroughly enjoyable the experience”. – Dr. Richard Bandler
 
      In addition to her position with the NLP Society, Kate Benson is the founder of NLPkids.com and is one of the foremost leaders in using NLP in education for teaching kids. Kate says this regarding Teaching Excellence:
 
"Just Imagine You could radically transform how quickly and easily you and your students could learn
Just imagine You were equipped with the tools to entertain and captivate the attention of your audience
 Just imagine You had the secrets of Teaching Excellence!!”
 
      I am sure you can imagine how powerful that would be and that is how powerful NLP is in the area of learning and using it with kids offers an amazing opportunity to lift them to an attitude & mindset of unlimited life-long learning and opportunity. ​