Homework and Test Prep Study Tips

Studying for an upcoming test is a part of every student’s life but the question becomes “Does your child know how to study?”

The most important skills your child needs are to get organized, learn to take good notes and study effectively. The key for parents in this is to encourage them to take responsibility for their work, monitor homework, asking questions and understanding what works for your child.

The best ways to help your child get organized is to provide a place to study such as a desk or table where your child can spread out all the papers and books along with their essential supplies (pens, paper and calculators), help your child develop a system which helps them create an organization method that sticks with them.

Encourage your child to learn to estimate how long each assignment will take, which will teach them to plan realistic schedules.

Test Prep

The key is to teach them that rereading the information is not the same thing as learning. Rather than simply reading the information over and over again, they can try applying the concepts allows for active learning.

Help your child make the most of his time by taking advantage of study times. A car ride or when they are waiting to be picked up after school can be an opportunity to study.

Look for other sources of support. Whether it be a tutor, or a “study buddy” or study group, sometimes these sources of support can help by filling in the gaps of how their study techniques and help test their understanding of the material.

Be sure to take note of what study techniques and styles work for you so that you can use them in the future.

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to help them destress. Learning the right skills can really help reduce anxiety as can physical activity and other relaxation exercises. If your child seems stressed out about a test, make sure to talk to him about it so that you can evaluate the situation, and their workload. If you have concerns be sure to contact the school and discuss some options.