A habit is something we learn to do automatically, without thinking too much about it or being told by others. Good study habits include having a regular and realistic routine, deciding what and how to study, using time effectively, and recognizing when it’s necessary to seek help.
Teaching study habits from an early age is essential for children’s academic development and future success. Establishing a solid foundation in childhood not only improves academic performance but also promotes skills such as autonomy, organization, and perseverance.
The first 10 years are a critical period in children’s cognitive and socio-emotional development. During this time, they are acquiring fundamental skills that will serve them throughout their lives, and study habits are no exception.
Between the ages of 2 and 7, children develop basic mental skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Strengthening these study habits during this period will help build these skills and provide a solid foundation for future learning.
Moreover, Bandura’s social learning theory emphasizes the importance of role models in behaviour development. Children learn by observing and imitating the most important people in their lives, such as parents, teachers, and peers. That’s why it’s crucial to consistently encourage and stimulate our children or students. Children who see their parents read regularly will become great readers themselves.
Let’s look at some tips to stimulate and help them:
Create a structured daily routine that includes time specifically dedicated to studying and homework. Setting regular times for homework helps children develop consistent study habits.
Just as they have extracurricular activities, they should also have study time. It doesn’t matter how old they are. This study time can involve coloring, playing an instrument, or reading stories. Adapt activities to their age and maturity level.
Routines provide children with a sense of security and predictability, which can reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
Determine the best time to study based on your child’s mood and energy levels. If they are tired after school, give them time to rest and meet their physical needs with a healthy snack and plenty of water. However, don’t leave studying too late, as children may lose concentration as the afternoon progresses.
Create a study space:
Choose a quiet, distraction-free area at home where your child can focus on their schoolwork. Make sure the space is well-lit and equipped with necessary materials like paper, pencils, books, and educational resources.
Remember, not all learning has to take place at a desk. Sometimes physical activity can be part of the study routine. Consider taking the study session outdoors to explain science concepts, for example. This will create a positive association between studying and happiness and help relax children who feel stressed by schoolwork.
Set clear goals:
Help your child set realistic and achievable goals for their studies. Encourage setting short-term goals, such as completing a worksheet page.
Studying can cause real stress for children. Some may find it extremely exhausting to keep up with their classmates. You can help manage this stress by creating a low-pressure environment and offering positive feedback.
Encouraging autonomy:
Please encourage your child to take responsibility for their own learning. Teach them how to plan their studies, solve problems independently, and seek help when needed.
Don’t become their secretary. Your child should be responsible for knowing if they have homework, filling out assignments, or studying for an exam. Allow your child to make mistakes. This is important because, as parents, we want to give our children an advantage and offer them the best. Still, we don’t help them if we don’t allow them to navigate situations on their own, even if it means getting reprimanded for not turning in homework or receiving a low grade on a test.
Various studies have shown that when children are recognized and praised for the effort they put in, rather than for what they are “naturally good at,” they are much more likely to become confident learners.
Provide Positive Feedback:
Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Provide constructive feedback and encourage effort and perseverance rather than focusing solely on the results.
Lead by example, becoming a role model by demonstrating positive habits in your own life. Show interest in learning new things, read regularly, and manage your time effectively.
Consider children’s behaviour with mobile phones. Even at very young ages, it’s normal for them to be drawn to phones because it must be really exciting if we, as adults, spend so much time with one in our hands. Children pick up on this, just as they will pick up on habits like reading, organization, respect, hygiene, or responsibility.
I recommend visiting your local library often. It’s an inspiring environment where your child can see adults and children studying in a safe and quiet setting.
Adapt to Individual Needs:
Recognize that every child is unique and may have different learning styles and needs. Adjust your teaching strategies based on your child’s characteristics. The school year should never, under any circumstances, turn into a competition between parents over how well their children are doing in class. As teachers, we see this behaviour every day.
Maintain Communication with the School Throughout the Year:
Dialogue between families and teachers is key to implementing various improvements in study habits. Teachers guide and support parents through the process. They address common concerns and identify areas for improvement that can be worked on, as well as strengths that should be maintained.
The Most Important Thing:
I know this part is controversial and difficult to apply. Society pushes us toward faster and less healthy consumption, despite the flood of organic propaganda in the media.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Young children need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep to develop properly and concentrate on their studies. Set a regular bedtime and maintain the same sleep schedule throughout the week.
Your child also needs to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Poor eating habits can cause mental fatigue, and breakfasts or lunches high in carbohydrates or sugar can lead to energy crashes in the afternoon. Instead of sugary snacks and processed pastries, offer your child a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of proteins.
