Technology’s rapid advancement carries with it constant noise pollution, so it’s no wonder that students nowadays are finding it difficult to focus on their studies. While at home, it can be tempting for students to lose themselves in mindless tablet games or plunge into the virtual world of video games and social media. With so many distractions awarding students with instant gratification, doing homework and studying becomes more of a tedious chore.
So, as a parent, how can you encourage your child to develop better study habits at home? How can you instill lasting productivity habits that will benefit them in the long-run?
Create a distraction-free study space.
Designate an area in your home where your child can study without distractions. It’s vital that this space is always tidy, since clutter in the environment can clutter the mind. If your child is more on the creative side, design a space that invites creativity. Put up inspirational quotes on the wall, have music quietly playing in the background, and make educational and recreational books readily available. By creating a positive study space, your child will look forward to their quiet time to learn and create.
Use agendas and wall calendars routinely.
Most schools give agendas to students at the beginning of the year. It’s been proven that writing down tasks and deadlines lead to better time-management and productivity, but there are many students who don’t use their agendas on a regular basis, let alone crack it open. Encourage your child to write down all of their homework assignments in their agenda. While they are doing their homework, cross off all completed assignments. As for wall calendars, encourage your child to jot down important due dates and special occasions. This will allow them to plan for important events in advance and teach them to prioritize and value their time.
Keep track of progress.
Spend a few minutes in the evening checking off all the assignments and tasks your child completed throughout the day. This end-of-the-day briefing will give you the opportunity to spend some valuable time together and allow you to better understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Reward them for a job well-done and motivate them to continue challenging themselves in their studies. By taking an active part in tracking your child’s progress they will feel that they have a strong support system at home.
We’ve created a free printable to help you easily record your child’s progress. You can download it by clicking here. Don’t forget to let us know how it’s worked for you in the comment section below!
Create a reward system.
After going through your child’s list of accomplishments, reward them for their hard work. It’s important to clarify what they will need to achieve to receive a reward, so they know exactly what they need to do. For example, if they complete the biggest assignment in their agenda, they can watch one episode of their favorite television show. If they receive three A+’s in a row on their assignments or tests, they can take out a book of their choice from the library. Choose rewards that suit your child’s interests. Remember that the point of discipline is not to deprive, but to teach students the importance of prioritizing and fulfilling their responsibilities. Reward systems, if done properly, will help students recognize that hard work leads to success.
Be your child’s personal cheerleader.
We strongly believe that every student has what it takes to thrive in school. However, many students doubt their abilities and shy away from fully expressing themselves. A bad grade, inattentive teachers, peer-pressure, and an overwhelming amount of homework may all contribute to your child’s lack of confidence. This may eventually result in frustration and procrastination.
As a parent, you can help rebuild your child’s confidence by being their personal cheerleader. Whether their achievements are big or small, give your child praises for the work they have done. Verbally acknowledge their determination and persistence. When you point out their positive qualities, they will become more mindful of their decisions and will feel inspired to continue being the best student they can be.
The Literary Tutor 
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