Setting up a Regular Study Programme

Sometimes getting children to settle down and do their homework and studying can seem like a huge battle. They want to go out and play with friends or with their games console and that seems far more interesting after a day at school. But you want them to sit down and do extra work on top of any homework they have been set.

But it needn't be that way.

Little and often sets a good set of study habits and gets children into the routine that is so essential to successful study. But there are a number of other factors as well.

Routine

Right from the outset it is vital to set and stick to regular study times. Often the best approach is for parents to discuss the selection of a specific day and time to study with the children and make them very much part of the choosing process. If they choose their own times, they are more likely to stick to them, as opposed to times set and enforced by parents.

Create the right environment

Make sure that your child has a regular place to conduct their home study lesson and that the study area is completely free of distractions or interruptions. Try to imagine creating a 'classroom of one' for your child to carry out their work as this will assist greatly with their concentration.

Children studying separately

Brothers and sisters should be encouraged to work independently. By encouraging them to work independently, it can help them to build strength and confidence as an individual.

Get involved yourself

It is well established that if parents take an interest in what their chidlren are doing and help them when they need it, this can increase the effectiveness by up to 6 times compared with a tutor or the school doing it. Children need to know their parents care about their school work and are prepared to invest their time in it as well.

Here Are Some Useful Dos & Don’ts:

• Do try and establish a regular study routine and remember that as their lives change, you should change the study routine accordingly.
• Do praise and reward your children for achieving high marks. In our experience, praise and rewards are more likely to create a positive environment for learning then arguments and bribes.
• Don’t make studying a chore. Encourage your children and always congratulate them on successes. You can make a big difference if you write encouraging comments like ‘well done’ or ‘good effort’ or draw a smiley face. You don’t have to be the teacher but you do have an important part to play.