In most homeschools, families teach many essential things besides reading, writing, and arithmetic. Personal skills, home skills, just to name two. But how many teach study skills?
The skill of studying is an integral part of education. Perhaps your children don’t have their sights set on college, but that could change. Plus, study skills are always good to utilize in any trade school or other certificate-seeking endeavor. I know this is an area I lacked in severely until I got academically beaten up in my first quarter of college. I would have loved to have learned about setting a positive attitude and budgeting my time to prevent cramming. Here are some tips to help you teach your offspring these wonderful tools!
Study actively, not passively. Instead of just re-reading the chapter, make a timeline, flashcards, study guide, or take a practice test. The more your brain is actively engaged using more than one learning modality in the process, the more information you’ll retain.
Make a study schedule. Purposefully block out time in your planner or calendar each week that you will set aside for studying purposes only. Then, remember to look ahead and follow your schedule!
Organize your notes and use them to create an outline of the important topics by class to study. Highlight key terms in your own words, and don’t copy everything word for word.
Study time is not time to multi-task. Your focus needs to be entirely on the subject matter. Turn off the tv, put your phone in the other room, and find a quiet place where you can focus without being interrupted. When those unrelated thoughts or to-do’s pop up to derail you from your studies, jot them down quickly on scrap paper and continue studying.
For the test, know what material will be covered. For unclear items, look up information or ask a teacher or parent for help.
Aim for short study times disbursed with quick breaks. Set a timer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take a five-minute break and get right back into another 20 minute round of studying. After a few cycles of this pattern, take a more extended 15-minute break. Breaking study time into smaller chunks will help you stay refreshed and focused and will discourage discouragement from cropping up! Opt for water, a brain food snack, or a short walk to get the blood pumping on those breaks.
But if you want to know you’ve really mastered something, teach it to someone else! If you can’t find a fellow classmate, a friend, sibling or parent will do. Mastery is important!
It has been proven that students that have effective study habits are more equipped to enter their next life stage since they have developed the crucial skills to help them learn and retain information. Using these techniques will help you prevent cramming and additional stress! Make sure to eat nutritiously and get enough sleep the night before the big test!
How are you training your children for college, trade school, and beyond?
Check out these homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!
