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Are you in a situation where your child really likes school, enjoys their classes and everything about it, but just feels the opposite when it comes to studying…?
Perhaps it isn’t for lack of trying, as they do their homework - but more a question of the spirit is willing but they just can’t get the flesh to get with the programme, where it counts. This in turn is having a significant impact on their grades in school. At school meetings, the feedback is that your child is happy, very comfortable and keenly participates in class activities. But they come up empty in terms of how to turn this problem around. However, this seems to be hampering your child’s progress.
If this is the scenario you are experiencing at the moment, perhaps the solution would be to look more carefully into your child’s study practices and looking for ways to cultivate more effective ones.
To be a success in class will come from a combination of habits and practices. It may take some time to find the right mix that will work for your child, so a bit of patience is needed here. One thing people tend to assume is that those who get the best grades, are born that way. This is simply not true, in the same a child can improve his/her grades. It all boils down to that “mix” we mentioned earlier. Creating a study plan that enhances learning and makes the process much more fun would help to turn things around for your child.
Below are some tips we have put together to help you achieve academic success.
Take notes
Notes are a great way of processing and retaining information. Studies have shown that the process of writing out your notes by hand can help in the processing and retention of information. What also helps is highlighting key areas in the text.
Working at a suitable pace
Everyone works at a pace suitable to themselves. In as much as we sometimes have to work under pressure in order to meet deadlines or achieve certain goals, we find that we function best when we work when we find that ideal pace. This does not mean going deliberately slow and claiming not able to move any faster. This just means, knowing the parameters and constraints within which you work, then finding the right approach to tackle the task. We know for example that tests don’t normally go beyond a certain amount of time. This means we need to find a way to complete tasks within that set time or before. This will take some practice, but the key is to keep on at it until you get there. It might that there are a few tasks that need to be completed before the due date. Working at a suitable (but planned) pace will ensure everything is done before then.
Simulate tests
The most ideal way to prepare for a test would be to get active and do as many tasks pertaining to the test as possible. The tasks can vary in format – written, games, discussion, learning resources like cards. Encourage your child to engage in these types of activities. A variety will also ensure they don’t get bored and will keep their focus going for much longer. In the process, you may also discover that one or more formats work much better for your child.
Ask for assistance
It never a bad thing to ask for help, especially in class. This can be cultivated at home, by encouraging your child to call out when they are stuck on a particular concept or the homework in general. You can discuss it through with your child so they are part of the solving process, as opposed to telling them everything. This key to progression and helps your child cultivate a better working relationship with others in class. This will also encourage them to raise these challenging problems with their teacher much earlier.
Conclusion
We hope these tips will go a long way in helping you help your child, thereby setting them on the right path to academic success.
At leaders are Readers, we aim to develop in children curiosity and courage to find/discover information for themselves, instead of 'spoon-feeding'. This promotes independent learners who can go on to be leaders.
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