How to help your student build study skills

1. Establish a study area, free from distractions.

Find a place within the home where your child can set up a study area. Ideally this is somewhere with good lighting, and free of distractions if possible. If space is limited, try to find ways to help students limit their distractions (e.g., wearing headphones to block noise, no phone time while studying).

2. Help your student create a checklist of work to be done

Most students will have their daily homework written down in their school agenda. In order to take it a step further, help your students complete a checklist by putting the homework assignments in order. Research suggests that completing the "most difficult" task first, will make the rest of the tasks feel easier to complete. If this approach is overwhelming for your child, you can also create a checklist in the opposite way, with the less hard tasks first, so your child can feel accomplished as they check off items on their list.

3. Use study breaks effectively

Many students may feel overwhelmed at the idea of a long never ending homework session. Encourage short breaks every 15 minutes (for younger students) or between subjects/homework items. Your child can build in a snack break, dance break, or quick movement break to avoid feeling restless. Taking a little time to reset can make homework time more productive.

4. Keep things consistent

Building a consistent routine for your child to complete homework is crucial. Many child at this age thrive on routine and regularity. Have a designated homework space, agreed upon breaks, and specific times to complete homework.