Learning how to study is just as important as actually attending lessons. Many children attend lessons punctually, listen in class but then have no guidance as to how to retain the information or how to revise.
This international school in Cambridge believes that if a child is in a good mental state then they will be better equipped to learn.
Here are 6 good study habits that you can use to help your child reach their full potential.
- Pay attention! For some children it’s tough to pay attention in class because they find it easier to get distracted than others do. Talk to your child; find out what triggers them when it comes to losing concentration. For some it might be noises in the classroom, for others, it may be that they’re physically uncomfortable. Talk to your child’s teacher to come up with some workable strategies to assist your child to combat these issues.
- Perfect planning! If your child tends to leave homework to the last minute, this is something you can help them get on top of. A wall chart or planner will help to remind them of what’s due and when. Make sure you have a copy of your child’s timetable and that each day, your child fills in their chart with any homework given that day…then they can add the date it’s due. In this way, they and you can see how long they have to complete the work as well as remember any special instructions or equipment they might need to bring.
- Bite sized chunks! Help your child to understand that not everything has to be completed in one go. If they are working on a long essay for example but also need to learn some poems. Teach them to do a little of each. Taking short breaks every hour for a walk and a drink of water will also assist them when it comes to concentration.
- Tidy room-tidy mind! A messy room and an untidy desk is not conducive to good study! Cluttered environments don’t aid effective thinking. Help your child by providing a waste paper basket and getting them into the habit of putting away their laundry and other items which cause mess.
- A dedicated space! All children of studying age should have a desk which is just for homework. It’s no good allowing them to keep their gaming PC on their desk…this will stop them studying. It’s too distracting. Provide them with suitable stationery and pots for pens and pencils and encourage them to keep it tidy.
- Sleep well! Easier said than done for some children. But it’s vital that your child gets enough sleep if they are to learn effectively. Learning well can only be done if children are getting regular high quality sleep. Ensure their bed is comfortable and that they’re not too hot or cold. Make sure they do not eat or drink too much sugar or eat heavy meals late at night. Hydration is also important. A bath or hot shower before bed should help too!
Taking an interest in your child’s study is vital for them if you want them to succeed. They see that you care and so they care too.
