By making learning fun with games and conversation during the preschool years, establishing good study skills during elementary school, and building on those strategies in middle school, parents can help their students become successful in high school and college. Two Springfield District 186 teachers share basic, proven approaches parents can use during these formative years.
From Kristin Colgren,
elementary school teacher:
* It’s important for parents to remember that every child is unique. While some children can hit the books as soon as they come home from school, other students need to burn off some energy before attending to schoolwork. Parents need to set a time that will work for each individual child in the household. The key is to be consistent.
* Children should have a quiet, well lit place in the home supplied with basic homework tools where studying can occur each day without distractions. Providing appropriate tools will also help. Include pencil, eraser, writing paper, etc.
* When students are studying for an exam, it is helpful to break up the studying over time instead of cramming for the test in one night.
* When completing homework or studying for a test, it is important for students to be able to articulate the “big ideas.” Memorizing definitions or dates will not help children learn the material.
From Angie Nesbit,
middle school literature teacher:
“Middle school is definitely a major shift for parents and students. Sixth-graders come from grade school, where they have one or two teachers, to switching teachers every hour. There is also a change in communication between student, parent and teacher. Most parents want to let their child experience middle school by stepping back and not involving themselves with their child’s homework until it becomes too late. Other parents coddle their child by constantly contacting the teacher about grades. As a middle school teacher, here are some suggestions to find a middle ground for this major shift.”
* Ask your student questions about school that require more than a yes or no answer.
* Have a consistent study place.
* Help your student stay organized. It is recommended that students carry a binder with sections for each class. Inside the binder include a pencil case for required items, an assignment notebook, a folder turned inside out so the pockets are facing out. The front pocket is for homework and the back pocket for work to be turned in (to help students see their work instead of forgetting it inside), loose leaf paper and dividers for each class.
*Allow your students to make mistakes. Be supportive, but don’t do their homework for them.
* Encourage good grades but always see that your student is learning the material and not just getting the grade.
DiAnne Crown asked her recent Springfield High School graduate for his number one study skill. “No procrastinating – not just breaking large projects into manageable pieces over time, but also no ‘micro-procrastinating’ by mixing work with TV, texting and other distractions. Make time for focused, pure study early in the evening or weekend so you can get it out of the way and have the rest of your time truly free for other things.”
This article appears in Capital City Parent July 2013.
