Study Skills 101: Strategies for School Success Presented by Dr. Luyi Lien Susan Berg

Students want to do well in School Students who consistently do well in school practice good study habits and are well organized Study skills and organizational skills do not come naturally to most people—they must be learned KG-8 is a critical time to lay the foundation for success in school and in life

Discussion Time Choose adjectives that describe your child’s overall feelings about school. Name your child’s favorite aspects of school. Name your child’s biggest complaints about school. Describe your family’s homework routines.

Create a Study Zone How should it look? Comfortable No Distractions Well lit Organized Necessary supplies Personalize it Students remember more if they do their homework in the same place and same time each night! Comfortable (not to comfy) What does your child’s current work area look like?

Setting Study Zone Routines When student gets home they should empty Home/School Communication Folder and organize papers in their Study Zone Student adds new information to monthly calendar Parents check Study Zone Student puts signed papers back in Home/School Communication Folder Student and parent create a To-Do list for the evening or weekend

Setting Study Zone Routines Turn off TV, radio, or any other distracting devices and remove cell phones etc. Check and retrieve additional supplies if needed Fix a snack - you don’t need an excuse for your child to get up! Set timer by estimating how long each assignment will take Ask student to number assignments in order from first to last (most difficult or least favorite assignment first) Prioritize Assignments - size up the task Do least important assignments last Think of a time when you did not prioritize. What were the consequences of this?

Handling Homework Ask questions about assignments Discuss your involvement and role in tonight's study session Student crosses out or checks off each assignment as it is completed As SOON as each assignment is completed and parent checks it, the student should put papers immediately in their Home/School Communication Folder Rewards student’s progress!

Setting High Standards Expect Excellent Work Expect good, readable handwriting Use complete sentences Answer questions thoroughly, using examples and details Encourage student to double-check his/her work By doing these things students learn more and don’t need to study as much!

Memorization Working Memory Long Term memory Two Types of Memory Working Memory Long Term memory Short term memorizing “Cramming” Learned material only makes it to your “working memory” Learned material will soon be forgotten Learned material makes it to your “long-term memory” Review and revisit material often Information should be reviewed ten minutes after learning and every seven days to keep in long-term memory WHICH IS BETTER?

Modes of Learning Visual – learn by seeing Auditory – learn by hearing Kinesthetic – learn by doing Everyone needs to utilize all modes even though one mode may be a strength.

Visual Learners Highlight or underline main ideas. Make an outline or map of main ideas. To study for a test, do something you can see – lists, drawing, copying words, etc. Use index cards to make flashcards – separate into “know” and “don’t know” piles, play memory game, etc. Use a computer or draw on a chalkboard as you study. Use assignment book to write down assignments daily, Never watch TV while you are studying!

Auditory Learners Read aloud instead of silently. Tape record items to study and play the information back – recite along with tape. Use music to help you learn – put information to a tune you know or make up a song or poem. Have another person quiz you and review information aloud. Study in a quiet place with no distractions.

Kinesthetic Learners Use objects (like coins, beans, blocks, etc.) to help you understand math. Trace spelling or vocabulary words in sand or salt or use magnetic letters to spell words out on fridge. Use maps, globes, puzzles to study history and geography. “Teach” the information you must learn to someone else using a chalkboard to write or draw the information. Have someone talk through the information with you while you do something active: shoot baskets, jump rope, walk around, etc. Take breaks often during study time. Have adult help you develop a system to stay organized.

Parents Can Help with Study Skills Help child manage time to complete assignments – discuss steps needed for longer assignments – help them get started on big assignments. Give practice tests. Help avoid last minute cramming – review nightly with your child. Talk with your child about how to take a test. Read instructions carefully Keep track of time Do easy ones first Don’t spend too much time on one question

Parents Can Help with Study Skills Talk about assignments. Do they understand what to do? Do they need help in understanding the assignment? Do they have everything needed for assignment? Does the answer make sense? Watch for frustration. Give constructive criticism. Praise and encourage!!

Homework Homework, oh homework! I hate you, you stink! I wish I could wash you away in the sink! If only a bomb would explode you to bits. Homework, oh homework. You’re giving me fits! Shel Silverstein

Purpose of Homework Review and practice what was taught Prepare for next day’s class Learn to use resources – library, websites, reference books, etc. Explore subjects more fully than class time permits. Applying skills learned to new situations. Integrate different skills learned into a single task (project/book report). Teach students to work independently. Encourage self-discipline and responsibility.

Homework Tips for Parents Help your child choose a homework drop spot for completed homework – guide them to always put completed assignments in the same spot. Set up a study area – have child do homework in the same spot every night. Create a homework survival kit – keep all supplies in the study spot. pencils, pens, writing paper, colored pencils, markers, crayons, ruler, pencil sharpener, erasers, glue, tape, construction paper, stapler, hole punch, scissors, paper clips, index cards, folders, dictionary, planner. Schedule daily homework time – same time each night - be sure all other activities stop at this time.

Homework Tips for Parents cont. Allow your child to let you know when homework is too frustrating – be sure they’re not just trying to avoid doing work. Encourage your child to do homework independently – this will teach them to develop independent skills such as how to follow directions, begin and complete a task, and manage time. Monitor that homework is being done – only give help if child has shown a real effort to do the work first. Motivate your child with praise. Each night praise your child about some specific accomplishment – focus on a goal they have set. Use a long-range planner with your child to help them successfully complete longer projects. Teach them how to break the assignment down and distribute it over the period of time given for the project.

Homework Tips for Parents cont. Have your child take necessary breaks – study 20 minutes, take 5 minute break. Limit homework time to the amount the teacher says it should take to complete. Never give a child more than a few answers on any assignment – if they still don’t understand, write teacher a note letting them know child is having difficulty. Don’t do homework for them. Talk with the teacher if child struggles with homework – arrange for tutoring if needed. Step back if you feel yourself losing your temper or patience. Don’t let your frustration make your child feel stupid for not understanding.

Homework Summary Show that you think education and homework are important. Monitor assignments. Provide guidance. Talk with teachers and administration to resolve problems.

Homework Related Problems (see handouts for strategies to utilize) What to do when…. Children do not do their best work. Children refuse to do homework. Children fail to bring assignments home. Children take all night to finish homework. Children will not do homework on their own. Children wait until the last minute to finish assignments. Children will not do homework if parents are not home.

Work With Teachers to Resolve Problems Talk with teacher early in the school year before problems arise. Contact teacher as soon as you suspect a problem. Request a meeting with teacher to discuss concerns – explain what you think is going on. Let teacher know if our child finds assignments too hard or too easy. Work out a way to solve or lessen the problem. Keep communication open and clear. Follow up to make sure the plan you set-up is working.

Talk With Teachers to Resolve Problems Tell teacher when you have concerns. Child refuses to do homework Instructions are unclear Can’t help child get organized to finish assignments Can’t provide needed supplies/materials Can’t understand purpose of assignments Assignments are too hard or too easy Homework is assigned in uneven amounts (none one night, to much another) Your child has missed school and has assignments to make-up

True success comes only when you make a commitment to be excellent.

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