This post was sponsored by Sylvan Learning. The opinions are completely my own.
The past month has been spent shuffling the children into new rooms and reorganizing the house. We figured chaos during the school year would not be good for learning.
With school starting now in just two days my thoughts have turned to how to make their new space more learning friendly. I know that when I was growing up I didn’t have a “place” to study or do homework. I just spread everything out all over my bed and did the best I could with what I had.
Our school district has been working on study skills for our children as well. From passing out syllabuses at the beginning of a semester to requiring middle school and junior high students to purchase a planner, they are laying the foundation of good study skills.
That’s when I step in to continue to teach them good study skills.
Where I lack, Sylvan fills in the gaps. Just in time for the back to school season, Sylvan Learning is offering a new Study Skills course focused on Organization and Time Management at the special price of $199 (a $200 savings) now through September 30, 2014. During the four-week program, which includes eight sessions, students will learn time management, strategic planning skills, better organization habits, how to use an academic planner and how to properly track grades.
Six Study Skills Tips for Back to School
* Make Use of Study Tools. A recent Sylvan survey found that more than half (54 percent) of parents surveyed with children in grades four through eight stated that their child reads his or her textbook and notes over and over to study – an ineffective study habit. Utilizing flashcards and color-coding materials are better for helping students remember key points. When it is already age appropriate, you may let them go through practice examinations and online prep modules that are not time sensitive encouraging them to read more rather than memorizing things under pressure.
* Develop a Study Process. First things first: students need to know when a test will take place, the types of questions that will be included and the topics that will be covered. From there, they should create a study plan and allow ample time to prepare – there’s nothing worse than cramming the night before an exam.
* Begin Using a Planner. Between homework, tests and extracurricular activities, it’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks. A planner can help keep everything organized and students should write down assignments, appointments and to-do lists. Review items in the planner at both the beginning and end of the day to stay on track.
* Identify Teacher Expectations. It is helpful for students to know how and what they will be graded on. By middle school and high school, most teachers will provide a course outline or syllabus, which can serve as a guide for the semester. If expectations aren’t clear, don’t wait until a bad report card comes in the mail. Parents and students should feel comfortable approaching teachers with questions about grading and assignments at any time.
* Create a Designated Study Area. If children are studying in front of a television or in a high-traffic area, chances are they aren’t getting the most out of study time. They should find a quiet, well-lit, low-traffic space in the house for studying. Parents can even institute a “communications blackout” policy with no cell phones or instant messaging allowed until schoolwork is done.
* Know When to Get Help. Sylvan’s survey found that 63 percent of parents surveyed didn’t feel that they could help with all of their child’s homework. To help equip students with the skills and strategies that can make a big impact on middle school, high school, college and beyond, Sylvan Learning offers Advanced Study Skills programs.
For more information on how to improve your child’s study skills check out the Sylvan Learning Blog.
- What methods of studying has your child found to be most beneficial?
My kids have found useful educational apps that help them quite a bit, we also have a office area in the home where they can do studying and homework so they stay focused.
We had my stepson go there and they were so great. I fully recommend Sylvan learning centers.
i like the idea of using a planner. even if you’re not in school a planner really helps you get on track.
I think keeping a schedule works great!!!! Planners are wonderful so you can keep track of what needs to be done!!
I definitely believe in “creating a designated study area.” My children focus more on their schoolwork when there are no other distractions.
These are excellent tips. Thanks for sharing.
Great tips. Glad I’m not going back to school.
These are great tips! Very utilizing!
i love all these helpful tips i think everyone should ask for help when they really need it. a lot of people are too prideful too
I’ve found that studying material out of order really aids in memorization. During class you tend to forget material that’s in the middle of the lesson so if when you go to study you look over the “middle” material first it’ll help the student to visualize it better come test day.
Great tips. Identifying the teacher’s expectations is particularly important, because if you don’t understand how you’ll be graded, you might spend time concentrating on the wrong things.
These are great tips, and that is a great deal for the course. Sylvan is normally too expensive for our budget. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips for sure. I am so glad I don’t have to worry about this now. I am a grandma. I loved to help with school work though. I think it is so important to study and get ahead today.
Great tips. Parents should definitely proactive and stay involved in helping kids learn good study habits. It makes all the difference when they get older!
I think these tips are wonderful. For my kids, creating a cool, quiet, comfortable environment where they can study is key.