Academic success can be achieved by establishing good study habits. You have to start as early as possible, even before the child enrolls in a preschool. If he or she is already attending one, it is not too late to establish those.
Did you know that it only takes 21 days to form or adopt a new habit and 66 days for that habit to become ingrained? Not to mention, preschool is a crucial learning stage since this is where some habits they carry on to adulthood are developed.
Learning is an ongoing journey; it's beyond the four corners of a classroom. And your preschooler needs to understand this. Help your child by laying the most reliable foundation for ongoing learning and making him resilient amidst the difficult coursework of high school and beyond.
Think of the young minds as like sponges—they absorb all the things you teach them. At times, they seek out, discover, explore, wander, discern, scrutinize, but they still need guidance.
Indeed, you will be instrumental in learning essential learning techniques and skills.
Ways to establish good study habits
1) Start them young
It's true. The younger he is exposed to academic work, the better. Instilling habits may be challenging at times, so you need to have the right resources that you can use to make the process easier for you and your child. Some good examples are solving puzzles, painting, and reading aloud. Educational games are perfect too especially those that seem like play. Choose appropriate games that may stimulate your child's creative thinking.
2) Build homework habits
Strengthen your child's academic skills by setting up a fixed time for doing homework. Some schools don't give their students homework so they may maximize their weekends. But you can during study time, which should also be a part of your routine. You may explain to him your expectations before tackling the homework and discuss upon the completion of the homework. Make sure too that your child follows the routine.
3) Foster independence
At first, it should be a mother/father-child tandem. Your presence is needed to explain how things work and how to do the things that you require him to do. However, releasing responsibilities gradually should be integral to the learning process. Let him take more responsibility when it comes to studying and doing homework, for example, more so when he initiates. Don't forget to check in on the progress that he's making. Make him understand that you remain to be the #1 trusted resource. Even when you are trying to build his character and attitude when it comes to learning, make sure that you are there when something's not clear.
4) Prioritize learning
No matter how busy you are with chores, work or both, building the right habits must not take a backseat. Commit to the schedules and discussions. As a parent, you also need to be kept updated on classroom dynamics and expectations, not just lessons, assignments, and exams. All these things impact how your child's study habits are formed. Also, these are the things that you need to discuss with your kids in a proactive manner not only when concerns arise.
Your goal is to develop and instill good study habits that will fundamental as your child grows. Parents' support in the learning process is crucial. Nevertheless, it's the time you will never regret you have invested in.
