By Dan Rahn
University of Georgia
With all the emphasis on test scores and high performance in
school, sometimes it’s easy to overlook a truly basic skill: how
to study.
“Just as you need space to work when you cook, work on the
computer or think, your child needs space for learning,” said Don
Bower, an Extension Service human development specialist with the
University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
“How their study space is arranged, set up and used all affect
good study habits,” he said.
Even in the early grades, Bower said, your child will benefit
from a quiet, well-lighted, comfortable place of his own.
“The best place would be away from the loud noise and heavy
traffic of family life,” Bower said. “Try to enforce a ‘quiet
time’ or study period so all the students in the family can
concentrate.”
‘But Mom!’
Your kids may try to convince you that they study better with the
TV or rock music blaring. Don’t buy it. But don’t blindly insist
on complete silence, either.
“Recent research shows that while many students learn best when
it’s quiet, others find that some background noise energizes
their minds,” Bower said. “Soft music may also help cut down on
distracting household noise.”
More and more students today have portable music players with
earphones, he said. Using these can provide background music for
the student using them and quiet for those around him.
If your kids don’t like the quiet study time, try a week of quiet
study followed by a week of study with soft music, he said.
Compare the results.
The basics
Every child needs at least a table or desk with a comfortable
chair. Arrange the desk so that everything is within reach, Bower
said. As your child gets older, he may need more supplies.
Some families use the kitchen or dining room table for homework
space, he said. But that area usually includes lots of
distractions.
Folders, files and drawers help the child stay organized, he
said. They can help him see his progress on big projects, too.
Seeing a project take shape can give him pride in his achievement.
If a special study area for each child isn’t possible, a table or
lapboard might make him more comfortable. Whatever his study
space is, good lighting and accessible supplies are still
important.
Library
“Building a family study library is a good idea and doesn’t have
to cost a lot of money,” Bower said. The basics should include a
good dictionary, U.S. map and world map or globe. If your family
has a computer, these resources are likely available on-line.
A good substitute for having your own family library, he said, is
to take your student to the public library.
“The public library not only provides a peaceful environment for
study,” he said, “but it also provides wonderful resources to
young learners. Libraries are full of print and on-line reference
materials, and librarians can help your child find what he needs.”
Your child should have his own library card and learn to use it
responsibly, he said.
More
Setting up a study area for your child can make studying easier,
Bower said. But it won’t solve all of his study problems.
“Help him learn to motivate himself by setting up a study-break
or rest-study-reward schedule,” he said.
Watch your child as he studies. Ask him to tell you what he’s
studying and learning. Talk with school counselors and teachers,
too, about study skills you can help your child practice at home.
“Remember that children have different study styles,” Bower said.
“It may take some experimenting to hit on the right combination
that will lead to success for your child.”
(Dan Rahn is a news editor with the University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
