Study [studhd-ee] (verb) The act of texting, eating and watching TV with an open textbook nearby.
Most children resist having to do homework, there is not much appeal in three pages of math problems or studying for an English test. However, parents can help with good study habits by creating a comfortable environment and a set routine which allows for the least amount of dissent. As we know, studying hurts, but failing hurts worse.
Work with your child to set up their study environment. In considering where to position their desk or table, keep in mind most students do better with the fewest distractions. Discuss with your child whether they work better facing a wall or do they need to be able to face the doorway? Do they need headphones to block family noise? Do they have adequate lighting at the work area? Would they prefer to be near you or alone? Although many schools are having assignments completed on and through computers, ensure that the area is well stocked with basic pencil, paper and other supplies. Many kids also benefit from a big dry erase board/calendar to keep track of upcoming events.
The most advantageous move is for parents to establish a consistent routine for homework. This is so homework and studying become ingrained and therefore automatic. You want your child to understand, through repetitive process, their own personal routine. Such as, after school have a snack, chill for a bit, homework before dinner (or right after), put completed assignments into the folder and put the folder into the backpack. For good study habits, you will need to help your child create a structured routine, as creating new habits generally takes supervision for three months, at a minimum.
As a parent, communicate with the teachers so you know their procedures for assignments. Suggest that when at school your child take pictures of assignments written on the board with their phone. Also, it may behoove your child to scan or upload pictures of their work or type right into Google Docs, this allows them access to their work if it does become misplaced or forgotten.
Let your child have say-so on the time they study but help keep the time consistent, when possible. Have your child show you their assignments at the work area, then do a hit and run, such as Tamar Chansky Ph.D. recommends, “As a pre-emptive strike to procrastination, have your child unzip their backpack, open up their books, engage just enough to decide (and take a quick peek at) what task they’re going to tackle first, and then let them walk away for 15-20 min to do something fun or get a snack.…and meanwhile their mind will be secretly thinking about returning to that work because in one sneaky move you’ve turned homework from something to start into something to finish. When they return to their books they will do so with the transition already underway.” (“How to Prevent Homework Procrastination”, 2014)
Children with attention issues will need monitoring. They may need an adult to sit with them to ensure they complete their assignments, if you do not have the time, you may need to ask an older sibling or hire a tutor.
After their homework is complete, make sure papers go right from the table into their backpack. Consider using colored flags or Post-its to mark assignments that are to be turned in. And/or use a folder system—one side for papers to go home, and the other side is for papers to turn in at school.
The objective is for good study habits to become so habitual your child will no longer spend 10% of their time studying and 90% complaining and procrastinating. Instead, they should go to their work area, open their backpack and pull out their assignment notes and start their homework. Your child will need your help to develop these strong work and study skills. The commitment is worth it, as these skills will benefit your child for a lifetime. With strong organizational habits hopefully your child will learn the difference between studying hard and studying well.
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