10 ways moms can make study time fun for their kids

Tips for fuss-free study sessions at home

Homework provides parents with the opportunity to take an active role in your children's learning. By guiding them as they answer their assignments and help them review their lessons, you help your kids become more successful in school.

Moms who tutor your kids, however, will know that getting through a study session can be a test of patience for both you and your kids. This doesn't always have to be the case.

Here are 10 study tips to help you make the most out of review sessions with your kids, and accomplish homework and school tasks at home without a fight.

1. Find out what kind of learner your child is

Every child learns differently from the next. Understanding your child's learning style will help you take the proper approach when teaching him at home.

Some are visual learners, meaning they learn best by watching. There are also auditory learners, who remember facts and information when these are explained to them.

Your child could also be a kinesthetic learner, one who learns as he does things or through experience.

2. Do bath and snack time first

Have your child take a bath and give him a nutritious snack before you get started on homework. Establishing this routine can help set his mind on the study session that is to come.

Also, making sure that he is clean, comfortable, and not hungry before you get to work can help put him in a better, more cooperative mood.

3. Have a designated study area

To help your child focus make sure that you have a specific area set aside for him to do his homework. The space should be well lighted, quiet, and should have a suitable study table and chair.

4. Turn of all distractions

To make sure that you child remains focused on the task at hand, free his study area from distractions. This includes turning off the TV, iPad, phone, and any other gadget, including yours.

5. Set a time limit for individual homework and study tasks

Create structure during homework time by setting a start and end time for each task, similar to how subject areas are divided in a class schedule.

Setting a time limit can help prevent procrastination, and can push your child to get straight to work.

6. Take a break in between

Children have limited attention spans, so taking breaks in between long tasks can help keep productivity levels up.

A short 15-minute pause can really make a difference, especially when you start to notice that your child is no longer fully focused on what he is doing, or is starting to become irritable and emotional.

7. Focus on one subject area for review per day

On days when there are no exams to study for, choose one subject area to focus on for a quick review. For instance, Mondays can be for spelling, Tuesdays for Math, Wednesdays for Science, and so on.

When you have a specific review topic set for a certain day your child knows what to expect beforehand. This can help ensure that he is ready for the particular lessons and skills you will be studying.

8. Be creative with teaching tools

It is easier for your to keep your child focused and interested when you are creative in how you review him. By making learning fun, you can also encourage your kid to want to learn more.

There are many things you can do to make study time fun for your kids, like making use of songs, videos and books, and doing experiments.

9. Find learning opportunities in everyday tasks

Learning need not be confined to books and work sheets. Instead, find ways to incorporate lessons into every day activities.

Practice simple arithmetic when grocery shopping by giving your child a budget for treats. Have him add the cost of the items he wants to buy, and check to make sure that he can afford them.

When vacationing, drop by landmarks that may be mentioned in Social Studies class, and take the opportunity to discuss interesting history tidbits to broaden your child's knowledge.

10. Reward your child (and yourself) with a day off

Acknowledge that your child has done a good job on his homework and review through a well-deserved day off for you both.

You could take the time to rest and recharge for your next review session. Alternately, plan for an extra special rest day and reward him with a fun activity, like a visit to the zoo, playground or bookstore.

What effective study tips can you share?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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Written by

Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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