Good Study Habits for Kids — 5 Helpful Suggestions

How to Teach Kids Good Study Habits—

Homework is a fact of life. If you have school-age children, you’ve probably found yourself doing math problems or helping with English essays. But parenting does not necessarily mean that you’re stuck doing homework again.

Although it is your duty to make sure your kids fulfill all their academic assignments, it’s also your duty to instruct them on how to do it themselves; while you fade into the background as a supervisor. So don’t get frustrated by all the cutting, researching, and solving. Teach your children these 5 simple steps to forming excellent study habits instead. You and your kids will be better for it!

Kids Study Habit #1

Take a few minutes to relax. Although traditionally parents demand that the kids start working on their homework as soon as they get home, I have found that it’s not always the best alternative. School can be as stressful as a full time, demanding job, and, like you, your child needs to relax before tackling the assignments. Just a few minutes will do; enough to eat, change clothes, and get organized.

Habit #2

Pick a good place. An adequate place is one with few distractions, great lighting and comfort. Make sure that the temperature is comfortable and that there is an appropriate chair and desk or comfy rugs and/or pillows. Access to a computer and printer are also necessary. Also, avoid changing places after you’ve found one that works.

Habit #3

Get your materials ready. In order to keep from having to get up every few minutes to fetch one thing or the other, make sure the chosen study spot has a decent supply of everything like pencils, pens, crayons, markers, erasers, sharpeners, ruled paper, white paper, calculator, etc. I always suggest to students that it might be a good idea to have a snack readily at hand (something that won’t make a mess, though), that way you won’t have to interrupt your work because you have the munchies. Be sure to have all books, notebooks and other documents with you before you begin.

Kids Study Habit #4

Keep an agenda or homework guide. Relying on your memory might not always be a good idea. Make sure you have a specific place to write down all your upcoming assignments. It will save you a lot of trouble, time and unnecessary phone calls.

Habit #5

Take a break. Few children are able to concentrate on homework for hours at a time. Usually a short 10 minute break between assignments can be relaxing and invigorating. Note: A timer might be helpful so that a 10 minute break doesn’t extend to an hour or longer!

Overall, teach your kids to take advantage of their study time by making it a calm, stress-free experience. Your goal is to help them become independent, responsible and successful students.

Got more kids study habit suggestions? We’d love to hear what you have to say. Just leave us a comment in the box below.

Until next time, study on!