When students struggle with organization and study skills, they are often disorganized, unable to complete homework or projects, don’t prepare properly for tests, or just give up completely.  Lack of organization and poor study habits is common in school age children because these skills are not consistently taught in school settings or learned at home.  Students often rely on their own instincts which may not be the best way to study.  Frustrated parents often call and say to us, “My child just doesn’t know how to study.”  Parents, you are right!

Good study habits start with organization and routine.  Help your child from early-on to organize materials and keep a clear study space with materials nearby. Backpacks need to be organized and cleared out daily until it is a habit.  Teens need a spot check once in awhile as well.  Set up a routine study time.  We suggest a required amount of time daily whether there is homework or not.  Choose other activities to do during that time such as reading, practicing math facts, studying for an upcoming test, outlining a chapter, etc.

Help your child learn how to study for tests.  When doing chapter study, have index cards handy to use for chapter vocabulary and questions with answers on the back of the card. This is a great way to learn new material for chapter tests.  Use the cards to help memorize information.  Read – Test – Check!

Set goals, both short term and long term.  These should be specific, measurable, and achievable.  Young children often need incentive charts at home.  These work and make your life easier!  When my children were young, I had them make up their own goals, design their own charts, and together we came up with an award such as go to the movies with just Mom, or go bowling with just Dad.  We suggest a special privilege as an award which will have more meaning than giving money or buying a materialistic item.

Practice good communication with your child and with your school.  Know what projects, tests and assignments are coming up. Practice good problem solving techniques with your child.  Encourage more independence when your child is ready.

These are just a few of many things parents can do to help their children develop better study skills.  To find out more, please join us for our Positive Parenting Workshop: A Focus on Study Skills to learn how to help your child with focusing and memorizing techniques, chapter study, test taking and organization.  We offer this workshop twice a year in the evening.  The next one is coming up January 31 at 7:15 p.m.

Call us to register! 630-922-8100