STUDY HABITS TO LIVE BY

Creating a consistent daily routine for studying sets a precedent that children can carry on into their adult lives.

Good habits help us do important things without thinking about it, making excellence a part of everyday life. Set aside a specific time each day for homework and studying to get your child into the habit of daily studying and homework – it will benefit them throughout their school years as well as after school. Once they’ve got this down, here are five ways to increase their learning while studying.

CREATE A SPACE

1 Create a quiet, organised workspace. Make sure the study area is well-lit and equipped with essential supplies like pens, pencils, notebooks, and reference materials. Ensure it is far away from distractions such as the TV, radio or computer games.

TEACH THEM TO PRIORITISE

2 It’s easy for school to become overwhelming. Teach your kids how to organise what they have to do according to urgency, how long it takes to get it done, and how difficult it is. Encourage them to break down assignments into smaller, more digestible tasks. This not only helps in completing assignments efficiently but also instils a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Use a planner to plan the week or month ahead.

USE COLOUR

3 Being creative while studying helps children remember better. When learning history, for example, use a different colour for each era and highlight important facts according to eras. Or when making summaries of work, such as biology or science, divide different themes into different colours.

TAKE BREAKS

4 Getting up from work when you feel tired and walking around the house, drinking a glass of water, or playing with a pet is very beneficial to studies as it gives your brain time to process what it’s learning. Light exercise and water during this time supports circulation and helps your brain focus.

ASK QUESTIONS

5 Teach your child that it's okay to seek help when they encounter difficulties in their studies. Whether it's a challenging math problem or an unfamiliar concept in a book, encourage them to ask questions.