Studying tips and techniques for primary school students

As parents, it can be difficult to encourage our children to start studying, and to study well. We all “know” how to study – sit down and start going through your work. But it’s not as simple as that.

In the latter stages of primary school, students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning. Children with good working habits are more resilient in high school, when the workload increases. Being an independent learner also promotes greater success and enjoyment. When children explore a subject for themselves, they become engaged with it and develop a better understanding. So how can you help your child develop the study skills that will help them now and in the future?

1. Determine what type of learner your child is

Visual, auditory or kinaesthetic? These terms might be new to some parents, although you may easily be able to place your child into one or more of these categories. Visual learners tend to learn best with posters, diagrams, pictures, and writing their work out. Some subjects, like mathematics, have many you-tube tutorials available; so searching for a visual guide online can be very helpful. Auditory learners learn best when their hearing sense is stimulated. They learn well with repeating the work to themselves; reading out loud; having someone “test” them by asking questions on the work and repeating it back; or listening to classical music as they study. Lastly, kinaesthetic learners use movement to activate their brain functioning. You may see your child rock themselves as they study or move around quite sufficiently. They can be aided by studying while sitting on an exercise ball, as this allows them to move around while still maintaining good posture and being seated.

2. Find a study method that suits your child

Drawing mind maps, colour-coding important information, creating flashcards, listening to pre-recorded notes and watching slide presentations with relevant notes, are some ideas you could try with your child. There are a very different techniques which some children may find useful in studying, such as mind mapping and mnemonics. Practice a few to see it they may aid your child in remembering information more easily. Your child might not benefit from using all of these methods, but through some trial and error, you’ll find a study method that your child feels very comfortable using. And as soon as your child is comfortable with studying, you’ve already won half the battle.

3. decide on a space to study

Decide on a time and place best suited to studying, with your child. The area should remind your child of studying and should not have pictures or posters that can possibly be distracting. The study area should have a desk that’s big enough for study materials such as pencils, books, dictionaries and reference material. The lighting should provide adequate visibility, but must not be too bright or dim. Most children prefer to study with some background noise, so they don’t feel abandoned. Soft classical music works well, especially for an auditory learner, but avoid music with vocals, which may make them concentrate on the words.

Some children need to move around while studying, such as the kinaesthetic learners, and others need a quiet place with a desk. If your child moves while studying, don’t keep them confined to a small room. Make sure that the area they use is available whenever they need to study. If your child prefers to study in their bedroom, make sure that they do not study on the bed. Studying on a bed creates poor postural alignment, causing strain on the back and shoulders. It also is unconducive to studying, as the atmosphere of a bed should encourage rest.

4. time management

Studying shouldn’t be done only at exam time. It should be practised throughout the year. Revision is crucial and should be done every day. Studying for the exams should only be a case of revising information you’re your child is already familiar with. Before setting up a timetable, ask your child how they feel when getting home after school. Some children prefer to take a break, while others are in the “school mode” and prefer to revise immediately. It’s crucial that your child contributes to setting up a timetable. It makes them assume ownership. If they do not, a feeling of being forced may arise. 25 minutes of studying followed by a five-minute break is the best.

5. Organise work before starting to study

It is easy for a whole study session to be used for the sole purpose of organising work and notes. Make sure that your child understands the work to be studied before studying starts. Break it up into smaller sections and make sure notes are organised and accessible. Work can be organised in many different ways, but make sure that it is organised in the way that best suits your child. Show your child how to break a task down into manageable sections. Rather than looking at an essay as a whole, separate it out into planning, researching, and then writing the introduction, middle and end, so it feels more manageable.

6. Set a study time span

Determine a time span that your child is able to concentrate and study for. 20 – 25 minutes is preferable, maybe less for a younger child. Set a timer for this – a kitchen timer works wonderfully. When the time is up, ask your child a few questions to determine if what has been learnt has been retained. You can also set a short test or quiz verbally according to the work within the workbook. Once you’re satisfied, let your child continue with the next section of work. Some children find it beneficial to study the same sections of work over and over, during the course of a few days, until they know it very well. A once-off study session is never conducive to successful marks.

7. Create a timetable

Routine is very important as it encourages discipline and will help prepare your child for later grades when they will have to put more time into studying. Draw up a study timetable that is visible and realistic so that your child knows what is expected of them on a daily basis. This is a non-negotiable, and you as the parent have to be strict about this. Most children have a shorter memory span, and breaking the timetable into half-hour chunks makes it easier to set up. Here are some practical tips of setting a daily routine:

• Make a list of extramural activities such as hockey, tennis, and so on, on a sheet of paper.
• Mark off time for homework, dinner, relaxing, and so on.
• Insert the due dates of assignments and projects, adding the time needed to work on them.
• Lastly, fill in study periods and breaks.

8. balance is key

To study effectively, we need to use both sides of the brain. A creative or physical activity is needed to give the logical side of the brain a chance to rest. During exam time, many of your child’s extramural activities may have finished for the year. Be sure to take walks, allow them to jump on the trampoline, go for a swim, bake cookies or take part in any other activity which does not place strain on the eyes. What to avoid: do not let your child watch tv, play on a tablet or any electronic device, read books or use social media in these breaks. These do not allow a break away from the studying side of the brain, and will prolong the fatigue.

9. Empower your child

Children must learn how to prioritise life, especially during exam time. Teach your child that it’s a part of life to make some sacrifices to gain a good result. As a parent, you’ll need to learn to make sacrifices of your own. Before and during the exams, don’t book time away. Eliminate as much stress as possible by creating an environment conducive to effective learning. Be available for your child, motivate and encourage them, and make sure that there are energy snacks available and that they have plenty to drink. A good night’s sleep is also very important. Help your child be prepared so that when they walk into an exam situation they are in control and confident. Make sure they have all the relevant stationery they need.

10. Remember that each child is different

Reflect on your child’s individual needs. Don’t be influenced by other parents or school children, and don’t be afraid to ask your child’s teacher for advice. Being in the right mind-set can make all the difference. Encourage your child to think positively when studying or heading into an exam and avoid catastrophic thinking.

11. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Your child needs you

You’d be disappointed if your child did poorly during an exam. Likewise, make sure you don’t disappoint your child by being disorganised and unprepared. You are ultimately the person your child is going to look to as a role model. Always be prepared and organised. Pre-plan meals (freeze them if necessary – takeaways are not a good option during exams), make sure you drop your child off at school on time, and create a calm, supportive environment at home.