Helping Your Child Form Good Study Habits
Studying isn’t always a popular activity for children. Most students would prefer to do just about anything else when they get home from school. However, making homework a priority is key to academic success. Students of all ages can benefit from learning how to study. Here are some of the ways you can help your child get into a studying groove.
Create a Study Space
It’s difficult to focus when you’re not in the right headspace. This is one of the things that makes studying especially hard for some students. One way to get into the studying mindset is to create a physical spot that’s just for homework. This committed spot can help reduce the distractions.. The more your child can make this space her own, the less of a chore homework will become. Let her decorate the space, and remind her to clean up and keep it organized between study sessions. Having a study space of her own will make studying easier.
Make a Study Routine
Children thrive when given routines. Knowing what to expect gives them a chance to plan ahead and creates a sense of normalcy. To make a study routine, set time aside specifically for studying and homework. Your child will be able to anticipate when it’s time for homework and plan other activities accordingly. This will also allow your child to focus on the task at hand without having to be reminded.
Only Offer Help When Needed
Learning independently will help your child thrive now and when he goes out into the real world. Encourage him to push past boredom and frustration to get his work done. If he learns that he can study and do homework on his own, he’ll feel empowered to succeed. Let your child figure things out until he needs your help. When it comes time to go over flashcards, work through a difficult math problem or review a piece of writing, let him know you’ll be there but that he should try it a few times on his own first.
Remove Distractions
Even if you’ve created the perfect study space, distractions can find their way in. Electronics can be one of the biggest distractions. Keep electronics out of study spaces unless they’re needed for specific assignments. Monitor your child’s activity while she studies, and see if you can figure out what causes distractions. If she’s listening to music, make sure it’s helping her focus and not distracting her further. Turn the TV off or listen with headphones if your child can hear it from her study space.
Studying is key to academic success, and it helps to create good study habits at a young age. Our Volusia private schools are part of a vibrant community that provides a safe, nurturing environment for students to grow in their faith and prepare for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence while ensuring students have a strong foundation of faith. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us at Volusia County Catholic Schools today.