As parents, many of us find it difficult to stand by and watch our children studying. Are they doing enough? Are they really working as hard as they need to be – or as hard as they say they are? How much should we help them?
Here are some simple tips to follow
- Help your child get organised.
Have a designated study space for your child. Depending on their age this may be in the kitchen or lounge area where you can help them. For older children, a desk away from the major thoroughfares is better. Encourage children not to study on their beds as this disrupts their sleeping. Make sure that the desk has good lighting and that your child has all the equipment they need.
- Be aware of looming deadlines
Have a wall calendar on which your child can write down any due dates for assignments and exams. This will help you all keep track of them. Try not to arrange too many commitments around key assessment times, and be aware that older students may need to be excused from other commitments so that they can focus on their studies.
- Encourage, don’t nag
Sometimes your child might need a gentle reminder to motivate them. When children feel pressured they sometimes don’t know where to start and procrastination kicks in. Try to stay calm and help your child prioritise the work so that they can see a way forward. Check in that they are on top of things and help them set targets rather than fighting with them.
- Help make learning fun
Flashcards and quizzes make learning quick and almost incidental. Talk to your child about the topics they are studying. Offer to test them or to proofread their work. Think of fun activities or treats your child could enjoy after a study session as a way to keep them focused and motivated.
- Take a step back
Remember, at the end of the day, your child is the student and not you. Your child might have a frustratingly low work ethic, but no amount of nagging on your part will change this. Talk to your child about the choices they make regarding their schoolwork. Encourage your child to set goals and deadlines. Students who are internally motivated will not only do better, but will gain more from their success.
Contributor
Jean Yates is the mother of two teenagers and has been a secondary teacher for 30 years in Queensland and the UK.
Jean is passionate about helping students to achieve their best results and follow their dreams. She has now created Edvantage Australia, on-line study skills workshops designed to give students the educational advantage they need. The workshops and additional resources can be found on the website www.edvantageaus.com.au