Parent Tips for Study Skills and Homework

This link contains many tips for parents on organizational skills, how to do homework, and helpful study skills for your child. These tips serve as guidelines for parents. There are many different tips and some children do better with different types of techniques. Not one technique works for every child.

Remember when introducing some of these tips, a child cannot be expected to just grab on to a technique and run with it. Parents have to help the child as you implement the technique for them. Consistency is what will pay off in the long run.

Parent’s don’t forget to ask specific questions about what they learned in school today. A common reply by students when asked about what they learned in school today is “nothing.” Open their planners and ask about what they read in Chapter 1 and if they could tell you one or two important facts from that chapter. This not only allows a student reflection time on what they have learned, but it provides an opportunity for the student to see how invested their parents are in their education.

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Organization

There are many ways to stay organized and different things work for different people. Here are some suggestions that can be used individually or together to help you or someone you know to organize their schoolwork.

Color-coding: Color code your folders, notebooks, and book covers for each class. For example you can use a blue folder, notebook, and book cover for Science and red folders, notebooks, and book covers for Math.
A.M. and P.M. Binders: Designate one binder for the morning classes and one binder for afternoon classes. This helps you to keep everything together without overstuffing one binder. Mark your folders, or tabs, so that the correct papers are in the correct places at all times.
Trapper Keeper: If you don’t have time to return to your locker between classes, a trapper keeper is a good choice for keeping a subjects in one place. Again make sure to label folders/tabs inside for different classes and make sure that you put your papers in the correct folder each time.
Take Home Folders: This organizational tool is the most appealing to students. If a student has a hard time getting homework home or back to school this is an excellent idea. Carry this to class with you and place all homework to be done that night in one side, as well as papers that go home for parents or permission slips. On the other side place all completed homework. Check the folder before you leave school o make sure you’ve got everything, Check the folder again at night before you go to bed to make sure you got everything done and ready to go back to school. You may want to check again in the morning to make sure you have everything to turn in.
Folders for Classes: Next to color coding another helpful hint is to designate one side of the folder for things to do and the other side for things that are completed.
Accordian Folders: Accordian folders are great for students who can’t carry all their folders in a trapper and for those who can’t seem to get their work to class. Designate each slot as something else. For instance, slot one may say science notes, slot two may say science homework, and slot three may say science labs.

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Homework

Listed below are some tips to make homework time more successful and to help you get your homework in every time.

Develop a system: It is important to develop a system when doing homework. This way you make sure that you hit all the steps every time. If you are always changing the ways you do things then you increase the risk of losing assignments, not retaining the information, or doing the wrong thing. The system should include where to do homework, when to do homework, for how long you should study, and where to put the things when they’re complete.
Studying space: You need to find a space in your house that is good for studying. This place should be far from distractions, clear and organized, and sturdy enough for you to work without being tempted to lie down or quit. The most ideal place is a desk in an office area or central part of a house. If you’re in your own room you may be tempted to play with things or lie in your bed. If you’re in the living room you may want to watch TV or relax on the couch. Find a place you like, but make sure that place is good for studying. Mom and Dad, if your child cannot come up with a place, then assist them in making a good choice.
Studying time: When you decide to do your homework is very important. Lots of students study right after school before they start to watch T.V. or play outside. If you turn the T.V. on first you may not be as eager to do your homework. The time you study should be the time you are most wide-awake and alert. If you choose to study right before bed, you may fall asleep. The amount of time you should spend studying is equal to 10x the grade you are in. If you are in seventh grade you should study on average about 70 minutes. A good rule of thumb is to study 40 minutes, take a ten minute break, then finish studying for 20 minutes if you are in sixth grade. Boys generally require more breaks than girls.
Before you study: Make sure that you know what you’re doing before you start studying. Lay out your materials. Break out your assignment book to make sure you know what to do. Check both sides of the worksheet and look for extra questions in the book that you may not see (on the next page for instance). Always have a dictionary and thesaurus in your work area with extra pencil and supplies.
When you are done studying: When you complete your homework place it in your folders to go back to school or place it in a double stack tray. Designate the top shelf of the tray for work to be done and bottom part of the tray, completed work. Have your parent check the bottom tray after work is completed and up to par. Parents if work is unsatisfactory, notify child right away and have them correct the work. Parents make sure you check a final time before student goes to bed that the assignments are completed. Have students place assignments in folders going back to school.

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Study Skills

Many students coming into junior high have not developed proper study skills. Listed below are some skills that will help you in and out of school.

Set Goals: Knowing what you are exactly striving for helps to motivate you during the year. If you set clear realistic goals for studying and homework then you know what you’re trying to achieve each time you sit down to work. Also, you know how to measure whether or not you’re studying and your routine have been effective. At the end of each six weeks you can adjust your goals or set new ones. If you meet your goal, celebrate with your parents and congratulate yourself.

Time Management: Try to gauge how long it will take you to do each task you are given. Then figure the time you have to do it and prioritize.

Hard Subjects: By doing your hardest subjects first you will find them easier to work through. If you save those until the end you may be out of brain energy. Doing these first will ensure that you are fresh and ready to go and conquer those hard subjects.

Organization: Keep your locker and material well organized. Read the organizational tips to help you. Also, you will feel more prepared when you can easily find the thins that you need.

Assignment Notebook: These notebooks help you to keep track of your assignments and tests. Keep all things written down. When you get home refer to it so you know what to do. When you’re at school look at the page from the day before to see what you are turning in fir the day. If parents and teachers are required to sign the assignment notebook, make sure this happens. Parents need to ensure they stay consistent with the assignment notebook. Sign assignment notebook even when your child has no assignments.

Tests and Projects: Start several days ahead of time before a test or project. Prepare notes that need to be read over and questions that need to be answered. Re-read your notes each night and know what you are doing. Ask questions if you are confused before the day of the test/quiz/project.

Review Regularly: Even when you do not have tests you should review your material. Most subject matter is based on things you’ve already learned. Be sure to look over your stuff so that you keep on top of it. After you read something ask yourself what you have learned (without looking at the textbook). If you can’t remember much, immediately read it over again to refresh your memory.

Use active Studying Techniques: These include reciting material, making flashcards, taking notes, listing, drawing, visualizing, and making up test questions. When you are more creative with your learning you are more likely to remember the material.

Listen and Concentrate in Class: When you’re talking to the student next to you it is hard to hear that there is a quiz coming up. Stop talking and start listening. Listen for main points and ideas. Take notes if you need to. Participate in class. Answer questions if you know the answer. Listen to others when they answer. Listen for test questions and important facts for the subject. Please, please ask questions if you are confused.

Learn to take responsibility for your actions: Be the student who does not rely on his/her parents for homework. Keep track of it yourself. Ask for help when you need it. Study for your tests. Do your homework and stay on top of the game. Its hard to catch up when you have fallen far behind