Why “Knowing the Why” Matters in Learning
The Power of the Why
When I think back on my school years, one of my biggest struggles wasn’t the work itself—it was not understanding why I was learning it. I could memorize, study, and test well enough, but so often I’d sit there wondering, “When am I ever going to use this?” I’m sure this sounds familiar.
The truth is, a lot of kids (and parents) feel this way. Without the “why,” learning can feel like a checklist instead of a tool for life. And when kids don’t see the purpose, it’s harder for them to stay motivated, engaged, and confident.
That’s why I’m so passionate about helping students discover the why behind what they’re learning. It is one of the best thing we can do to help equip them for their future.
When the Why Finally Clicked
Unfortunately for me, a lot of my “classroom leaning” didn’t really click until adulthood—when I had kids of my own. I have had way too many moments of me saying things like, “Ohhh, that’s why I needed to know this!”
Algebra (solving for x): Figuring out the best phone plan, comparing prices, or adjusting a recipe’s serving size.
Life Science (cells, body systems): Making informed choices about diet, exercise, and health.
Reading Skills: completing applications, reading signs, enjoying books for fun.
Looking back, I realized the issue wasn’t my ability—it was the missing connection. I didn’t know the why, so the learning didn’t stick.
Now, as I learn alongside my kids, I get to see the connections in real time. And honestly? It’s one of my favorite parts of parenting. I get to show them the links I missed as a child while being reminded that learning never really ends.
Practical Tips: Helping Kids Discover Their Why
If you’re a parent, teacher, or student, you don’t have to wait to “figure it out” years later. You can discover the why right now. Here are a few practical ways:
1. Connect lessons to daily life.
Look how fractions matter in baking, or how percentages pop up in sales at the store.
Look out for real-world examples of reading, writing, and math in action. For ex, turn errands into opportunities to practice skills
2. Ask reflective questions.
Instead of asking, “Did you finish your homework?” try asking, “How will this help you tomorrow?”
Instead of asking, “What did you learn?” try asking, “Where do you think you might use this in real life?”
3. Model curiosity.
Be open about learning new things yourself. Share how you still ask, “Why do I need to know this?” and look for answers with your kids.
Wonder Out Loud. Instead of only giving answers, share your own questions openly. Let your child see that you are still learning, too.
4. Use mistakes as teachable moments.
When something doesn’t go right, pause and reflect: “What did this teach us?” It’s an opportunity to see that failure has a why, too—it teaches resilience and problem-solving.
When students see the why, learning becomes more than just schoolwork. It becomes a part of who they and how they live.
The Heart of Prep Life Learning
At Prep Life Learning, my mission is simple: to bridge the gap between the classroom and everyday life. I don’t just want students to graduate with grades—I want them to step into the world with confidence, independence, and skills they can use daily.
Knowing the why builds that confidence. It gives students the courage to ask questions, the wisdom to make decisions, and the motivation to push through challenges.
We’re not just preparing students to pass the next test. We’re preparing them to thrive in life.
We all have our own stories and experiences with learning. I’d love to hear from you so please share—What’s one subject or skill you wish had been explained with the why back when you were in school?
