How to Develop Essential Study Skills
When children don’t do well on tests, the first question that comes to mind is “well, did you study?” Study skills don’t come naturally to every student, so it’s possible for a student to spend hours studying and still not absorb the material. There’s more to studying than reading and reviewing the material until it’s memorized. Here are a few tips for helping your child develop essential study skills.
Create a Study Schedule
Time management is crucial for effective studying. It’s not about the hours spent reviewing the material. Making the most of that time is just as important. Children thrive on routine, so setting aside a similar time each day for studying and homework will set them up for success. Find a time that makes sense for their schedule, and make sure to plan their snack and dinner routine accordingly so they can be fueled to focus.
Active Listening and Note-Taking
The first step in the action of studying is taking good notes. Your child should learn how to actively listen to absorb the information they’re hearing and take notes on the important parts. Remind your child that they’re in school to learn, not to ace the test. Remind them to listen with the intent of understanding and to ask questions if something is unclear. Encourage them to take notes in an outlined format so they’re not overwhelming to read during study time.
Managing Distractions and Building Focus
When it’s time to sit down and study, it’s easy to get distracted. There’s usually more going on in the house than just studying, especially if your child has siblings or other family members around. Their study space should be free of common distractions, such as a clear view of the television and being in the path of other family members. Helping your child focus on studying may need to be a whole-family effort. Keeping their study space as quiet as possible is key.
Effective Test Preparation
Test anxiety can be a major issue for people of all ages. There’s always a lot of build up, and often, the test weighs heavily on grades or other areas of a student’s life. Preparing for exams can help alleviate this common anxiety. Finding or creating study guides for the material, making notecards and taking good notes can help. However, preparing for tests also includes healthy habits like eating and sleeping well leading up to the test and pacing out studying so it’s not overwhelming. Frequent, short study sessions are better than long ones that lead to lost sleep.
At our Titusville private school, we encourage students to study in whatever way works best for them. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop their full potential. Teachers foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and equip students for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.