We all “know” how to study – sit down and start going through your work. But it’s not as simple as that, is it?
With the exams upon us, I thought it would be a good idea to ask a teacher for some study advice and tips for parents.
Here are 11 essential study tips you should know and remember as a parent, compliments of Adele Keyser, Grade 4 teacher at Edgemead Primary School.
1. Determine what type of learner your child is
Visual, auditory or kinaesthetic? Don’t know what these terms mean? Well you should, because your child will generally fit into one or two of these learning categories. Understanding what type of learner your child is can help you help them. Take our FREE online quiz here to find out exactly what type of learner your child is (it’ll only take 5 minutes).
2. Find a study method that suits your child
Drawing mind maps, colour-coding important information, creating flashcards, listening to pre-recorded notes and watching slide presentations with relevant notes, are some ideas you should try with your child.
He or she might not benefit from using all of these methods, but through some trial and error, you’ll find a study method that your child feels very comfortable using. And as soon as your child is comfortable with studying, you’ve already won half the battle.
3. Provide a space to study
Some children need to move around while studying, and others need a quiet sanctuary with a desk.
If your child moves while studying, don’t keep them holed up in a tiny room. Make sure that the area they use is available whenever they need to study, even though it may be an inconvenience for you to forgo your lounge or dining area for a while (or often!).
If your child prefers the solitude of their bedroom, it is not advisable that he or she learns on their bed.
4. Organise work before starting to study
Before studying, make sure your child understands the work to be studied. Break it up into smaller sections and make sure notes are organised and accessible. We’ve written an easy-to-follow guide on how create a study schedule.
5. Set a study time span
Determine a time span that your child is able to concentrate and study for. 20 – 25 minutes is preferable, maybe less for a younger child. Set a timer for this – a kitchen timer works wonderfully.
When time is up, ask your child a few questions to determine if what has been learnt has been retained. You can also set a short test (or take a look at WorksheetCloud – it saves you time by giving you online and downloadable tests with memos, all based on the CAPS curriculum).
Once you’re satisfied, let your child continue with the next section of work. Some children find it beneficial to study the same sections of work over and over, during the course of a few days, until they know it very well.
A once-off study session is never conducive to successful marks.
6. Create a timetable
Draw up a study timetable that is visible and realistic so that your child knows what is expected of them on a daily basis. This is a non-negotiable, and you as the parent have to be strict about this. Remember, you are the adult!
We’ve written a simple guide to creating the best study timetable. Read it here if you need help.
7. Teach how to make sacrifices
Children must learn how to prioritise life, especially during exam time. Teach your child that it’s a part of life to make some sacrifices to gain a good result.
8. Be prepared to make your own sacrifices
As a parent, you’ll need to learn to make sacrifices of your own. Before and during the exams, don’t book time away. Eliminate as much stress as possible by creating an environment conducive to effective learning.
Be available for your child, motivate and encourage them, and make sure that there are power snacks available and that they have plenty to drink. A good night’s sleep is also very important.
9. Empower your child
Help your child be prepared so that when they walk into an exam situation they are in control and confident. Make sure they have all the relevant stationery they need.
10. Remember that each child is different
Reflect on your child’s individual needs. Don’t be influenced by society, and don’t be afraid to ask your child’s teacher for advice.
11. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Your child needs you
You’d be disappointed if your child did poorly during an exam. Likewise, make sure you don’t disappoint your child by being disorganised and unprepared. Again, you’re the adult and you are ultimately the person your child is going to look to as a role model.
Always be prepared and organised. Pre-plan meals (freeze them if necessary – takeaways are not a good option during exams), make sure you drop your child off at school on time, and create a calm, supportive environment at home.
What study tips do you have for other parents? Share your comments below.
Thank you! Am going to go through this with my child tonight! Just in time for the exams later this month….
That’s great Lianne! Good luck with your exam preparation. 🙂
Wow during this Lockdown situation,I was Soo helpless as a single parent,but thanks to Learning Lab,,, Life will never be the same.
Hi Mmamy! Thank you so much for your comment! I’m so happy to hear that we were able to help you during this difficult time!
Please let us know if there are any other blog topics you would like for us to cover in the future or if you have any questions regarding our content.
Ross 🙂
Thabk you for these exam tips.
No problem Marilyn. Glad you found them useful. 🙂
I just wish I had this info- right from term one… 🙁
Don’t worry Caroline – there’s still plenty of time left to implement the advice in this blog post. Good luck! 🙂
Thank you immensely for this app, my son is an auditory, but funny how quick he does his work, was surprised on the comprehension test which he did today,u believe this would be his best company as he is also into gadgets. He’ll be writting his English paper this week, so this came in right on time.
Your response is so promptly, which means he’ll get the responses sooner.
Thank you Thank you.
Hi Priscilla! Thanks for your comment! We’re so glad that your son is finding our app useful! Please let us know if there are any other blog topics you would like for us to cover in the future or if you have any questions regarding our content.
Ross 🙂
Excellent service wonderful things to learn thanks
Hi Daksha! Thanks for your comment on our blog! I’m so happy to hear that! I hope that we will continue to provide you with the best learning and revision tool!
Please let us know if there are any other blog topics you would like for us to cover in the future or if you have any questions regarding our content.
Ross 🙂
Thank you so much for accepting in this site. I’ll take my son through as soon as I receive the worksheets.
Hi Nomampondo! Thanks for your comment! Please let us know how your son progresses through our worksheets? We’d love to hear back from you!
Please let us know if there are any other blog topics you would like for us to cover in the future or if you have any questions regarding our content.
Ross 🙂
I found tips not only relevant but also helpful. Thanks
Hi Medupe! Thanks for your comment!
I’m so happy to hear that you found our blog helpful! Please let us know if there are any other blog topics you would like for us to cover in the future or if you have any questions regarding our content.
Ross 🙂
Thank you for the exam tips.
A real pleasure Promise. I hope you found them helpful. 🙂
I am so happy that I signed up for all this info to better help my son’s with their education. It is soon difficult to get boys to actually sit down and study but with your tips, encouragement and worksheets things can only I, prove for both of them.
That’s really great to hear! Thanks for sharing Nadia. 🙂
How do you go about determining what type of learner your child is: Visual, auditory or kinaesthetic?
Great tips. We are using some of them since gr 4, but there are some that we can implement now in gr 6 and in the future. Fabulous!
very interesting tips and i will definitely go through it with my son.
I encourage my children to do 30 min of physical activities between 20/25 minute study sessions. It seems to really make them more willing and even more focused. They retain more knowledge in a day using this routine than without the physical breaks.
Hi Roxi, thanks for your comment on our blog and for sharing some advice!
Please let us know if there are any other blog topics you would like for us to cover in the future or if you have any questions regarding our content.
Ross 🙂
How can I determine what kind of learner my child is?? Any tests? Specific points to look for, any tips??
My daughter is a visual learner, what wor
ks best for her?
I cant wait to start preparing my son. This is fantastic tips.
How can I determine what kind of learner my child is?? Visual, auditory or kinaesthetic? Any tests? Specific points to look for, any tips?? Please.
Thank you Adrian! Worksheetcloud is a great help!
Just posted on our Mount Pleasant Primary FB page. Great info.
How can I determine what type of learner my son is ? Is there a test or something he can do to understand this ? tks for great advice.
How do you tell what type of learner your child is?
Thanks for the tips. I will definitEly keep it in mind. I see a few people have asked the question of how does one determine what type of learner your child is but you have not responded to that question yet. As the exams are coming up shortly, what are the quick wins for now to be able to assist our kids immediately. The tips given I can use for the future.
Great tips to keep in mind. Thanks
Before we start studying my 12 year old has to draw a picture of herself climbing a huge mountain.The mountain then gets filled with words discribing everything that will distract her from studying for the exams. It is important that she identifies the things that will challenge her and she must sacrifice for her results. After that we draw up a time table and identify how much time she has to cover high volume subjects.We test her knowledge on the subject before any studying starts because this identifies the gaps in her knowledge and the work that needs more revision time. New words and definitions are changed into a game. Exams are stressful enough, turning studying on its head might be unconventional but her results prove that it works.
Visual, auditory or kinaesthetic?
As a quick rule of thumb (and by no means exhaustive!) learning styles are as follows:
Visual – learner likes reading, making notes, etc Can generally work well alone.
Auditory – learner likes listening to how things are done. usually likes working with a friend and interacting by teaching each other, asking questions and so on..
Kinaethetic – learns by moving. repeating facts, etc by singing, dancing or playing some mundane game like bouncing a ball, etc. Movement and action stimulate the learning process.t
Generally we all possess all three styles but usually one predominates. Ask your child when do they learn best – this should give you some idea as to their predominant style.
Don’t get fixated on the idea that learning is a quiet process.
But ensure that this is not being used as a “cover-up” to engage in social media!
Thank you for these tips I will certainly make good use of them. I would like to know if I can forward these tips to my parents as I am teaching.
I believe that one of the most important things to include in a study programme is doing past papers/tests if available. I haven’t looked at what you have available in your worksheets but I believe that this is essential. There is evidence that those that achieve the best results are those that work from papers, and not after studying, but as a means to study. Using your notes to create perfect answers to the questions. In effect you are going through your notes/studying as you do this.
Any advice on someone who can held give study techniques to our kids.?
Hi Heidi
Thanks for your message.
A good place to start would be to take a look at the several blog articles we have covering just that!
You can find them here:
https://www.worksheetcloud.com/blog/create-an-exam-study-plan-with-this-easy-guide/
https://www.worksheetcloud.com/blog/live-recording-how-to-help-your-child-prepare-for-exams/
https://www.worksheetcloud.com/blog/3-ways-to-ensure-effective-studying/
https://www.worksheetcloud.com/blog/9-ways-to-motivate-your-child-to-study/
https://www.worksheetcloud.com/blog/7-simple-ways-to-prepare-for-the-june-exams/
https://www.worksheetcloud.com/blog/11-essential-study-tips-you-need-to-know/
Another option would be to talk to your child’s teacher, they should be able to help you identify your child’s learning style and what techniques would work best for them.
Please let us know if you have any other questions and we’ll be happy to assist.
Kayleen 🙂
Thank you. I did share. May you be blessed for ever.
Hi Elna
Thanks for your support!
Please let us know if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to assist.
Kayleen 🙂
Hi Kaylene
May we publish these tips in our School Newspaper?
Regards
Berenice
Hi Berenice
Thanks for your message.
We are so glad to hear that you found our latest blog article so helpful!
WorksheetCloud would be delighted for you to share this information in your school’s newspaper. We just ask that you please credit WorksheetCloud.com for the article and provide a link to http://www.worksheetcloud.com.
We would also love it if you could sent us a copy of your newsletter so we can add it to our ‘Hall of Fame’.
Please let us know if you have any questions or require any further information, we’d be happy to help.
Kayleen 🙂
Along with studies.getting up and going to sleep on time is essential as also some exercise daily.
thank you for the tips
thanks for your tips really appreciated
I am so so happy to be apart of the worksheet family. I never knew until now that I had a tutor at the tip of my children’s fingers. No words to express my thankfulness. You changed the game of parent support
I feel so included in my children’s school world. God bless you and may you grow from strength to strength
Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! We’re feeling pretty lucky that you chose us to help your child improve their studies, and we just want to say thank you on behalf of the whole company!
Ross 🙂
I like that you mentioned how creating mind maps can or creating flashcards could help your child study more effectively. My son seems to learn things differently compared to other children his age, I want to find a way to help him succeed academically without forcing him to learn in a way that he is not comfortable with. It may be best to find a facility that can help him look for study techniques that work best for him.
Hi Darrien! Thanks for your comment! That’s a great way of thinking! Every child is different in how they study and learn, so it would maybe be a good idea to ask your child how they would prefer to study first. You would then need to trial this method over some time and assess whether their has been some improvement. Try this method before reaching out to a school psychologist or facility. I hope this helps. Please let us know if there are any other blog topics you would like for us to cover in the future or if you have any questions regarding our content.
Ross 🙂
Always inquire and inspire in the life of your child, be inquisitive about their day and instructions recieved, support and advise with regards to homework and tasks to be completed, always check completed work and talk to your child if any corrections need to be done, always be positive and supportive.
Observe your child daily to check for behavioral differences and inform their teachers in order to assist.
Great tips .I really appreciate
Hi Babalwa! Thanks for your comment! I’m really happy to hear that you found our blog helpful!
Please let us know if there are any other blog topics you would like for us to cover in the future or if you have any questions regarding our content.
Ross 🙂