Studying can prove quite the challenge if done thoughtlessly. As a matter of fact, learning how to study effectively for exams takes practise and consistency.
We have all been through the stage of studying as a child, so as parents, it is our responsibility to guide our children by helping them form effective study habits.
You’ll be surprised at how these five good study tips are simple yet incredibly effective!
1. Identify Distractions
Before anything else, your child should be aware of the things that are distracting them from studying. The answers may be obvious, but it’s difficult to get your focus back the moment your distractions get a hold of you. One second you’re looking at your homework, and then you’re suddenly glued to your phone for the next thirty minutes.
Some common distractions include gadgets, television, toys, and the like. These can vary for each child so figuring them out together with your child is one of the key steps to create effective study habits.
2. Create A Conducive Study Space
Given today’s circumstances, we’re now at home most of the time. This means that your child’s school’s environment will be their home environment too, which makes studying more difficult. To combat this, set a specific area at home where your child will do everything related to school. This helps form a school-life balance that plays an important role in their overall productivity and mental health.
This study space can either be a whole room or simply just a study table with their school supplies and necessities. You would also have to make sure that they are far from distractions such as the television, noisy backgrounds, and the like.
3. Find Out Their Strengths And Weaknesses
Every child has their own pace when it comes to studying. Some may digest concepts faster than others, and some may study better with different methods. Knowing your child’s strengths and weaknesses in the academic aspect will give you the first step in how you can approach their study habits.
When your child excels in something, you should let them know. For instance, if they are good at memorising, encourage them to utilise that when studying. This will also help them explore more of their strengths and how they can use them to their advantage.
Weaknesses are also just as important to take note of. Distinguishing the parts where they’re having difficulties with helps you form better strategies. For example, if they cannot focus on their task for a long period of time, you can suggest creating more intervals for breaks in between schoolwork. Ultimately, it’s not about avoiding their weaknesses, but learning how to work around it.
4. Create Checklists
When the workload starts to pile up, your child may become overwhelmed. One of the most popular good study tips includes checklists. It’s where you list down the tasks you are supposed to accomplish. You can categorize them according to urgency and importance.
Doing so would keep your child focused on the task at hand instead of worrying over the piles of tasks they have to do. Keep a sticky note or notepad at all times in your child’s study space. This way, they’ll get used to writing down and sorting out their priorities first before going about their schoolwork haphazardly.
5. Form Study Routines
Again, the key to creating effective study habits is consistency. There are some good study tips to make this easier for your little one. Little things such as regularly organising their backpack and school-related things at home can help set their mindset in the right direction when it comes to studying. Creating a schedule at home is also an example on how to study effectively for exams. Set a particular time where your child has to be in their study space and do their work every day.
In A Nutshell…
Forming effective study habits doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and practices for children to get it right. Fortunately, parents are here to help them overcome their hurdles. With these five good study tips, you’re sure to create a conducive environment for your child in and out of your home!
What are some effective study habits your child has? Share it with us too!