You’re child enjoys going to school. Your child enjoys their teachers, classes and classmates. Every night, they do their homework. The kids are trying, but their effort and energy is not translating into the academic gains or grades that you and your child want. If you recognize this situation, the best way to help your child learn is to build some good study skills.
It’s not just about attitude or effort. It’s also about the right combination of habits and attitudes. This recipe is based on strong study skills, which are a learned behavior. Katie O’Brien, Hunter Maats and other co-authors who worked on the Princeton Review study, explain that straight-A students do not just happen. They are made. Every student in America can get the grades they want without the stress. It’s easier to manage your emotions, put away distractions and create a study plan that will make learning fun and faster than many students and parents think.
How can you, as a mother or father, help your child to develop the study habits they need for academic success, and also see the benefits outside the classroom? Here are seven simple tips to help you get started.
1. Make a dedicated study area for your students
Is your child’s desk or workspace located in a place of your house that encourages focused study? Check to see if the area is well-lit, and away from distractions. In this area, keep study materials like colored post-its and pens, pencils and highlighters. Give your child the freedom to decorate the space. Teach them to tidy up their desk every night to be ready for the next session.
2. Keep a planner
Effective study skills are based on time management. Make sure your student understands how to use a homework organizer. Write down the important dates for projects and homework, especially if your teacher has given them a long time in advance. It is important to keep track of all assignments. Prepare your child for important tests. Help them break down the content, and create a review schedule in the days before the test. Divide large projects into smaller components and work with your child to create a schedule. By making the workload seem more manageable, you can reduce procrastination and cramming.
3. Take notes that are effective
Have you ever heard of Cornell notes? This classic system of note-taking can help your child retain the information they learn in school. Studies have shown that taking notes by hand is more effective compared to using a laptop or not taking notes at all. It is also helpful to teach your child active reading strategies, such as taking notes and highlighting important themes and passages.
4. Practice for tests
It’s not enough to simply review content prior to a test. Encourage them to use more interactive methods, such as completing practice exams or using flashcards. You can ensure that your child understands the material by asking them to answer review questions, and then having them explain their answers in short essays.
5. Avoid cramming
It is better to study a small amount of a topic every day than to spend a long time on a particular subject in one day. You can help your student create a schedule for studying that allows them to practice different subjects at different times. Even 10 minutes a day of practice is helpful! Encourage your student to take smart breaks while studying. A 15-minute break every hour will help keep your student focused and productive.
6. Teach your children to ask for assistance
Maybe your student has trouble understanding a lesson or homework. Asking for help becomes crucial when this happens (and it does at some point to everyone). Asking for help is a good way to start a conversation with your child’s teacher. Don’t hesitate to raise concerns yourself. Asking for and receiving support is also a lesson that you can teach your child by teaching them how to form effective relationships with their peers and ask for their help.
7. Avoid distraction
Teach your child how to turn off their computer and all other devices which could distract them while they are studying. Multitasking can also hinder learning. Encourage your child to concentrate on one subject for an extended period before moving onto another. Above all, make sure that your child is able to focus on their studies and has good sleeping and eating habits.
Parents can help their children develop the study skills they need to succeed in school by using a variety of strategies.
Are you looking for ways to instill healthy homework habits into your child’s mind? Discover these essential tips to help parents support their child’s academic achievement.