Parent Zone

Study Skills Superstars - For Parents

Our Study Skills Superstars Program uses a hands-on approach that will help students acquire the skills necessary to work effectively on homework assignments and/or projects, both individually and within groups of any kind.

Parents Guide to Organizational Skills and Effective Study Skills

Here is a list to help you help your children to learn to be more organized and practice “effective study skills”. Developing good organizational skills will be the key element predicting success both in school and in their every day lives. Poor organizational skills can lead to difficulties and avoidable challenges in school.

  • Using agendas
    This organizational tool can be used in many ways:It is good to get children into a habit of making lists. Children should list all their homework assignments in their agenda book. It is also very important for your child to record homework assignments, create schedules, keep track of upcoming events and assignment due dates. This helps students develop a sense of independence and control. Have your children cross off what they have done so they will see that they are making progress.

  • Organizing their homework assignments
     Encourage children to rank their homework assignments in terms of level of difficulty. Children should always start their homework with the least difficult but should not leave the one that is the hardest for last. Children should sandwich their most homework assignments with their easier homework, for this provide them with a sufficient mental warm-up and cool-down period.
  • Setting a designated study space
     Children should always study in the same place. Their supplies should be at hand. This can be anywhere in the house that is both comfortable and quiet, where distractions can be kept to a minimum. When children are young it is important for them to be near a parent when learning to study and do homework. When they are doing their homework it is important for you, the parent, to praise and encourage good study habits observed.
  • Develop routines
     Children should do homework at the same time everyday. They should not do it right after-school as children should have time to unwind from being in school all day. Deciding what time to set for homework, should be done with your children so that they will be accountable and play an active role in their own learning. If the child does not have homework they should still be encouraged to do some reading during this time that has been set aside to do homework. Children will benefit from having a schedule they can count on and they need your guidance to be able to achieve stability in their lives and to help them to be successful managers of their own time.

  • Utilizing time
     If children have difficulty understanding the concept of time you can use a timer. Let the child see what a half hour is, then they can better determine the time necessary for the tasks that want to accomplish. Remember a timer should only be used to provide reference points for younger children, not to put limitations on time spent on homework.
  • Getting your child involved
    You need to provide guidance, but allow them to make choices and decisions. This will empower them and help build their confidence. Children are more likely to internalize the lessons you offer them when they take part in the process. Children learn so much by modeling our behaviour. Use your own organizational skills to help your child be successful.
  • Keeping their Agendas & Backpacks organized
    You can help your child become more organized by giving them a central place to put their papers, notices and backpacks. Another helpful tool is signing their agendas so that the teacher knows that you have seen any important papers.
  • Carry out a weekly clean up of Backpacks
     You should encourage your children to clean out their backpacks once a week and have them organize their papers. They can put any papers that they want to keep into a special folder and put them in a safe place at home.
  • Keep a master calendar
    Making a large calendar for the whole family to see is a very good way to keep everyone organized. Keep it in a central place. Write down any tests or projects that the children have as well as their extra-curricular activities. It is also very important for your child to record homework assignments. This will help the whole family keep on track of what everyone is doing and where everyone is.
  • Preparing for the next school day
    Be consistent. You need to set the groundwork and provide support for your child to be successful. Have your child make sure that all of their homework and assignments are put back into their backpack for the next school day, to help avoid the morning scramble. It is a good idea to have them do it just before bed. Make sure that any papers that had to be signed by you are put into their special binders and their agendas have also been signed. Every night the backpack should be put in the same place, packed and ready to go.