The Quick and Easy Formula For Developing Good Study Habits

I bet there are times you're frustrated about the hit-or-miss quality of your kids' home study. Good study habits are essential for progress, and without them children can very quickly fall behind - and if they fall too far behind, they may be tempted to drop out. How would you like to help your kids in this vitally important area - so that you can relax and let them get on with it?

Step 1

Help your kids see 'What's in it for me?' This is the key to motivation. Our biggest impulse to do anything is the promise of some reward or benefit for ourselves. Let's face this fact of life and use it appropriately.

For your kids the benefits of good study habits will be success in their education and life prospects. But that won't impress the average teenager!

Certainly, make them aware of it, but why not set something more tangible, like some enticing and juicy goals? What do they want? A new computer? An increase in their allowance? If it can be something you were planning to give them anyway - but they don't know that yet! - use it as leverage. If it's something they're saving for, you could promise to help out when they've shown you proof of their new study habits.

Study is hard work, and that doesn't come easily to the human spirit. We need all the help we can get! And don't underestimate the importance of your praise and admiration for their improvement. For many kids that's the best reward they can get.

Step 2

Once they're motivated, stress the importance of paying attention in school. They'll find study sessions so much easier if they've done the necessary preparations: they've listened in class, taken part in discussions, taken notes, concentrated on reading assignments and so on. In short, they come to their home study sessions prepared and ready to go.

Step 3

Be aware that different people have different learning styles, so the same methods don't work for everyone: some learn best by reading, others by listening, others by doing things. Make allowances for these differences and encourage your kids to experiment to find their preferred learning styles. If this is new to you, your school will be able to give you more information.

Step 4

Similarly, people have different preferences for their learning environments. Scientific studies show that some kids assimilate knowledge better and faster while music is playing - yet for others this is a complete distraction. Some kids like to sit up straight at a desk - while others like to stretch out on the floor. Whatever their preferences, everyone needs fresh air to breathe and a comfortable - but not too comfortable! -temperature in the place of study.

Step 5

Children with kinesthetic and visual learning styles may need such things as graphs, charts, diagrams, and images, rather than simple books, notepads and pens. Discuss this with them and be prepared to invest in appropriate equipment if that's what it takes to get the best from their study.

Step 6

The most important consideration is the provision of a place free from distractions. Don't be afraid to lay down the law here! TV, 'phone calls and the like are OUT during study time. Build this in as part of the contract or agreement you make regarding benefits or rewards. (Remember, however, that background music - not TV - can actually help some kids.)

Step 7

Pay heed to the best times for study. Before meals isn't usually good, as hunger pangs can get in the way of concentration and reduce energy levels. Straight after a big meal isn't good either, as we tend to feel less energetic and more lethargic. A snack to stave off hunger pangs is good for concentration, as is drinking sufficient water to keep the body comfortably hydrated.

Kids need to know more about how to get the most from their time in school, but by helping your children to apply these seven steps for good study habits, you'll be making a huge investment in their futures.