Homework and studying serve an important purpose. Parents should take an active role by supporting and encouraging their children. We have collated eleven easy ways to help your child study at home for better academic outcomes.
#1. Think positively
Having the correct mindset can have a significant effect on the study outcomes of children. Here at Greensprings School, we teach growth mindset as part of our Thinking School initiative and urge our students to say things like “I don’t get it right now” instead of saying “I can’t do it.”
You too, as a parent, can help your child turn a negative statement like “I’ll never have enough time to get a good grade on this exam” into a positive one like “I began preparing later than I should have, but I put together a comprehensive study plan and will be able to get through the material prior to the exam.”
#2. Turn off the TV set
Watching television can often be a distraction for children once they get home. Perhaps, they don’t want to miss the next episode of Ben 10. It’s wise to make a house rule – depending on the location of the set – that when it is study time, it is “no TV” time.
A television set that is on will draw youngsters like bees to honey.
#3. Set up a homework-friendly area
Another easy way to help your child study at home is to set-up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach.
#4. Schedule regular study time
One of the easiest things to do to help your child study better at home is scheduling a time. This makes the child focus with undivided attention on the assignment or study. However, you need to study your child’s pattern after school hours.
Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.
#5. Certain rules should be set about the family phone during study hours
The more people in the household, the more restrictions on long and unnecessary phone calls are needed. A timer, placed next to the phone, can help to control the length of calls so that the telephone will be available if it becomes necessary to call a schoolmate to confirm an assignment or discuss particularly difficult homework.
#6. Help them make a plan
A plan gives you direction, track progress and save time in the long run.
On heavy homework nights or when there’s an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child to break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary — and take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.
#7. Make sure kids do their own work
Do not do your child’s homework for him or her. Your work is to guide your child while he or she does the learning.
Children won’t learn if they don’t think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions, but it is your child’s job to do the learning.
#8. Note-taking is a critical skill and should be developed
Many students don’t know how to take notes in those classes that require them. Some feel they have to write down every word the teacher says. Others have wisely realized the value of an outline form of note-taking.
Note-taking is very important for memory and recall. You should encourage your child to jot down highlights that can help him or her to understand and recall what is being taught in the class.
#9. Be a motivator and monitor
Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
Praise their work and effort as well as mention academic achievements to relatives while your child is there.
- Set a good example
Do you read while at home or you just watch TV? It is easier for children to study when they see and observe that you also study.
Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing your budget or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their parents’ examples than their advice.
- If there are continuing problems with homework or study, get help
Talk about it with your child’s teacher. Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may need glasses; others might need an evaluation for a learning problem or attention disorder.
By following the ways discussed above, it is believed that your child would want to study more at home, and that would help in his or her academic performance.
