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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.
Organize each day with backpacks, binders,
and
to-do lists
Organizing 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:
•
Organize 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.
•
Organize 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 organized 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.
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