Helping Your Teen Develop Good Study Habits:

A Guide for Parents

As the academic year progresses and we have the opportunity to evaluate our academic progress so far, students need to develop effective study habits to achieve their full potential. As parents, you play a crucial role in guiding and supporting your teenagers through this process. Here are some practical tips to assist your high schooler in cultivating good study habits that can lead to academic success. The feedback from teachers and developing excellent routine around improvement is critical to continuing growth in 2024. Here are some critical points for deliberate and effective study:

Create a Dedicated Study Space and Routine

Ensure your teen has a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable place to study, free from distractions. A dedicated study area can help them focus better and separate study time from leisure activities. Encourage them to keep this space organized and equipped with necessary supplies such as pens, notebooks, and a computer. Consistency is key when it comes to studying. Help your teenager develop a regular study schedule that includes specific times for homework and revision. This routine should be aligned with their natural rhythms, allowing for breaks to avoid burnout. For instance, the Pomodoro Technique, which involves 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break, can be particularly effective. This is incredibly important in the younger years where sustained activity will eventually fall apart without these small break times.

Balance and Well-being

It's important to remind your teen of the importance of balancing study with other activities. Ensure they have time for physical exercise, hobbies, and relaxation. Adequate sleep is also crucial; teenagers need around 8-10 hours of sleep per night for optimal cognitive function and overall health. Even a quick walk of the family pet before getting into homework can be very beneficial.

Communicate with Teachers

Stay in touch with your child’s teachers to monitor their progress and address any concerns. Teachers can provide valuable insights into your child’s strengths and areas needing improvement. Book in to see all your student’s teachers to consider the overarching patterns and make sure you model asking for critical points that they can use to move forward with their learning. Please book in your times through Compass

Promote Active Learning

Active learning involves engaging with the material through discussions, teaching others, or applying concepts to real-life scenarios. Encourage your child to use techniques like summarizing information, making flashcards, and practising past exam questions. Group study sessions with peers can also be beneficial, as long as they remain focused and productive.

Addressing Challenges

If your teenager is struggling with particular subjects or study habits, work together to identify the issues. This might involve adjusting their study routine, seeking help from teachers, or exploring alternative learning methods. It’s important to approach these challenges with patience and support.

Together, let’s make this academic year a successful and enriching experience for our students.