If you have a tween or teen in high school suddenly overwhelmed with more homework than they’ve ever had before, maybe it’s time to intervene. You could try to help without seeming bossy by giving them some study tips you used, or you could also let them figure it out themselves. Whichever way you decide, suggest they read this article. Setting up a homework routine: strategies for productive study time.
Organization Sets the Tone
Are you naturally an organized person? If so, you have a head up, but if not, you have some work to do. Even if you’re not Mr. or Ms. Organization, you can still learn how to increase these skills and devise a productive study time. Taking control is key.
Pick a Set Time
Decide on a study time and homework routine, and stay within that time frame as much as possible. Start with a two-hour time period either right after school or
maybe after dinner makes more sense for you. Whatever you decide, stick to it.
Even if you have a rare night without a lot of homework or even any homework, still sit down and review the day’s notes, and re-read a difficult chapter. It helps to reinforce your routine.
Pull Together Everything You Need
The next step is to find an area you can use each day. Gather together your laptop, calculator, pencils, lighting, notepads, etc. Pick somewhere with the least distractions. It could be your room, your back porch, or anywhere without a lot of family traffic.
Unplug as you study. Turn off your phone, the TV, or any other device that can interfere with your concentration. And of course, be careful not to wander off in internet browsing.
Utilize Free Time During the Day
Make the most of any free time at school to review notes, create to do lists, or read an assignment. Most high schools have set study periods specifically for this purpose. Don’t waste that time! It’s less you need to do in the evening.
Decide on Your Daily Approach
Will it work best for you if you get the easier tasks completed first? Or will you be more productive if you start with the hardest part of your homework, and do that at the beginning of your study time. Maybe you don’t know the answer yet, so try both ways to discover your best approach to study time. That’s important and all part of organization.
How Best Do You Learn?
One consequential piece of knowledge in developing a productive study time is understanding how you learn. When reading a chapter, does it help you to use a highlighter or underline important pieces of information?
Is it better to take notes as you read and create an outline, so you can look back and review?
Does it help to read passages out loud? Once you learn your best way to learn, learning gets easier!!!
Ask Questions
Whenever you don’t understand an assignment or need help discovering the bottom line, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher, counselor, or maybe even your parents.
High school challenges you with a new level of learning. Don’t panic. As your organizational skills improve, homework and study time gets more productive and more pleasurable.
Talk with Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford in Raeford and Fayetteville or ask for a referral if your child has difficulty managing his homework routine.
