Children learn differently, and as Dr. Howard Gardner, a renowned professor and psychologist at Harvard University, once said, “It’s not how smart you are that matters; what really counts is how you are smart.”
Every kid has a unique way of grasping and processing what they’ve been taught. Some kids might pick up new concepts quickly, while others need more time to understand and apply what they’ve learned.
For this reason, you must train them in the right study skills now so they can bridge the gap between what they’re taught in school and what they might struggle to understand on their own.
If you want to help your child learn helpful study habits, this post is for you. We’ll be discussing some practical strategies you can use.
Create a Study Routine
Planning is essential in every facet of life, including studying. This is why getting your child into a regular study routine is a great way to start.
Pick a time each day when your child will sit down to do homework or review what they’ve learned. This could be right after school, after a short break, or before dinner. The exact time doesn’t matter as much as sticking to it every day.
When you set up this routine, ensure it fits your family’s schedule. If you work late, the after-dinner hours might be better. If your child has after-school activities, you might need to be flexible. The goal is to find a time that works most days and stick to it.
At first, they might resist this “new change.” That’s normal. Stay firm but kind. Explain why this routine is essential. Over time, it will become a regular part of their day, like brushing their teeth or eating breakfast.
Take Smart Breaks
Studying for long hours with no break may feel like the best way to learn, especially if you grew up in a home that had such a studying culture, but the fact is, this style of learning needs to be updated.
According to The Country School, a renowned CT private school based in Madison, every child needs to learn at their own pace and take regular breaks to optimize their learning process.
This is not just a suggestion but a requirement if you hope to see your child thrive academically and develop healthy, sustainable study habits.
A good idea would be to take a 5-10 minute break every 25-30 minutes of study time. If you have younger kids, they may need shorter breaks.
During these break periods, encourage your child to engage in something outside of studying. They could do some jumping jacks, dance to a favorite song, or stretch. The break period is also a good time for a healthy snack and some water (whatever works).
Set Up a Dedicated Study Area
Having a special place for studying can help them focus. This doesn’t have to be a whole room – a corner of the living room or a small desk in their bedroom can work well.
Make sure this space is quiet and free from distractions. Turn off the TV and put away phones or tablets unless they’re needed for schoolwork. Good lighting is essential, too—a desk lamp can help if the room is dim.
Let your child join in the setup as well. They might want to decorate it with their favorite artwork or pick out a special pencil holder. The goal is to ensure they like their study spot.
Making them feel ownership means they’re more likely to use it without feeling reluctant.
Also, keep the space organized. Have a place for books, pencils, paper, and other school supplies, and ensure your child tidys up after learning.
Make Big Tasks Smaller
Big projects or long homework assignments can quickly become tiring and boring. So, help them split these tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.
For example, if your child has a book report due in two weeks, help them plan it out. They might read a few chapters daily, take notes, write an outline, and then work on different sections of the report over several days.
You can even use a calendar or planner to write down these minor tasks. In any case, the goal is to ensure your child sees progress and feels less stressed about assignments.
Plus, when they finish each small task, praise their effort. This builds their confidence and motivates them to keep going.
Build a Positive Learning Attitude
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through action and knowledge. This mindset can significantly impact how your child sees studying.
Praise their effort and progress, not just their grades or natural abilities. Use words like “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that” instead of “You’re so smart.”
When your child faces a challenge, guide them to see it as a chance to grow. If they say, “I can’t do this,” add the word “yet” to the end of their sentence.
Share stories of how you or others have improved through practice and hard work. This will help your little one see that struggle is a normal part of learning.
Also, they should be taught to learn from their mistakes. When they get something wrong, help them figure out why and how to do better next time.
Wrapping Up
Every kid is different, so you might need to try different approaches to find the best for your child. Nevertheless, please don’t be too rigid in adjusting your strategies as they grow and their needs change.
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