Take a look at this situation. Your child enjoys going to school. Their teachers are happy with the efforts they are making in class, but have noticed that their grades don’t seem to match the work they put in. So, what’s wrong? The simple answer is, they aren’t studying at home. Whilst the classroom is the space for primary information to be delivered, the amount of effort put in outside those four walls, matters just as much. So as a parent, what can you do? Through small efforts, you can help them create better study habits at home and reach their academic goals. Here is some advice on how to encourage your child to study at home.
Create a designated study area for them
Where does your child study? If the answer is on their bed or dining table, then it is vital to change that as soon as you can. Whilst the space a child studies in may not seem like an important factor, it does in fact make the biggest difference to their attitude and quality of work. A space that is designated only to them will shift their mindset entirely and give their studies at home a sense of importance. Set up a desk in a well-lit area and away from other distractions. Keep helpful supplies on hand such as pens, pencils, highlighters and post-it notes. Encourage your child to take complete ownership over their study area and keep on top of cleanliness. Don’t forget to allow them to decorate the area as it needs to be inviting too.
Create a study plan
Time management is one of the most important aspects of studying at home. The reason many students work well in a classroom is because they have set timings for study and leisure. Not only does this keep children in check, but it gives them a sense of stability too. At home, juggling fun and homework can be difficult, given that they have no plan of action. Sit down with your child and go through the curriculum together. Map out a small chunk of time every day for them to sit and revise or complete homework. Breaking down bigger tasks into smaller chunks can make them seem less daunting. This can also help them to avoid cramming and procrastination. In turn, this will encourage your child to study more regularly at home and create better study habits.