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 Plan study time with schedules
Just as your children have class schedules at school, it is important to have a schedule to follow outside of school – before school, after school, and on the weekends. Scheduling time to study each day will help your children keep track of the many things they need to do as well as help them learn which are the best times of the day for them to study.
 Download our Schedule Template or Weekly Schedule to get started.
Organise each day with backpacks, binders, and to-do lists
Organising your children in school will help them keep track of assignments, meetings, and activities. This will also help your children plan their time most efficiently.
Tips:
• Organise all school supplies in backpacks—taking advantage of all the pockets and compartments. Have your children pack their backpacks each night for the next school day and unpack them right when they get home from school each afternoon.
• Organise all schoolwork in the appropriate binder. Have a binder for each class, or use dividers to separate classes within a single binder. Have sections for completed work, work to be finished, and an assignment list to keep your children on track. Color-code the binder with fun colors to keep your child organised and engaged!
• Write out a to-do list each day. Jot down assignments, activities, chores, or plans with friends. Keep the list posted in your house where it can be easily and frequently viewed. Tasks should crossed out as they are completed – give rewards when important tasks are crossed out.
Download our To-Do List Outline to get started.
Encourage your children to talk with their teachers
It is important that students communicate with their teachers whenever they are having trouble or are confused with their schoolwork. It can be tough for teachers to tell that their students are struggling unless they speak up.
Here are three basic steps to help facilitate good communication:
1. Pinpoint the problem.
2. Think of an action that would help.
3. Have your child talk with the teacher about these issues. They can offer their solutions and ask for help.
4. Example:
Problem: "I am having a hard time reading this book for the book report. I just think the book is too long, and so I haven't even started reading it."
How to ask the teacher: "I am having trouble reading this book. Could you go through it with me and help me break it into sections to read each night so that I can finish it in time?"
Set up a good space for homework
Help your child find a happy place! Set up a positive workspace to facilitate good study habits:
• Tools - What kinds of things do you need for a good homework space?
Choose a desk or table, and a comfortable chair. Have all the essential supplies readily available—pencils, pens, highlighter, calculator, paper, a computer, bulletin board, recycle bin, and trashcan.
• Area - What makes it a good area?
Make sure to have a comfortable temperature—not too hot and not too cold, good lighting, no/little noise, a place in the house with low foot traffic and distractions.
• Ways to make it fun - How can we make it a good experience?
Provide soft classical music, a snack (like popcorn or carrot sticks), photos/pictures on the walls.
• Things to avoid - What do we have to watch out for?
Stay clear of distractions such as loud music, instant messenger/internet/email, phones, TVs, and pets.
Brainstorm the ideal study space with our Study Spot Activity Sheet. |