Your child learns a lot at school. Even teachers teach them study skills. But majority of students need more guidance at home too, so that they learn to wade through homework and tests successfully.
It is your job as a parent to inculcate in your child the right study skills so that he or she can rely on them through the school and college years. Study skills, in a broad manner of speaking, refer to getting organized, taking good notes and studying effectively. Study skills need to be developed during the middle school as this is when their work load increases. They have more homework assignments, frequent tests that require them to develop their analytical skills. Children themselves try to come up with learning strategies which are fir for them after some trial and error. You will have to encourage your child to take responsibility for their school work, including assignments and tests schedules and preparation. You need not pester them, but let them know you are there to guide them anytime, as well as you are keeping an eye on them. Help them work out their studying strategy by monitoring their homework as well evaluating what works for them.
The beginning of developing study skills starts with getting organized. The first step for this is making space around the house for them to keep their school things. Get a desk for them to study at. Make sure that the desk has enough space for their papers and books. Provide them with essential supplies such as pens, paper and calculator. Make them sit on a comfortable chair that is perfect for their height when set against the table. Keep the study area well lit.
An important part of organizing is keeping track of homework and assignments. In case your child forgets to turn in the homework on time or other important assignments slip from his mind, you need to step in. Get him a folder or some other way that lets him keep his homework for submission separately and the child will remember he has to turn in his homework. You can use color coding for subject books and other things. Nothing comes in handier in keeping a track of things than a planner. Make sure your child develops the habit of writing everything down including daily assignment in each subject and checking it off when it's complete. If your childs school has provided with this planner, then get him to use it. If not, then have a word with his teachers and school administration about it.
Making an estimation of time required for homework is like the foundation stone of time management your child will need to do in life. So make sure he estimates the work and time available to do it and then plans a schedule complete with study breaks and play time. In case his schedule is disrupted by too much time on a subjects homework, help him with the subject. You may also think of providing tutoring on the same. For instance, if your child is taking hours to do Chemistry problems, then you may help him by looking for a
chemistry tutor online. A tutor will help him understand the basics of the subject. Keep monitoring your childs daily work and ask him if he needs any other help. All these things will help him become more organized in school and life.
