Strong study skills are essential for children to achieve their full potential. Anna Dalglish of Kumon Guildford North explains how students can develop these skills. Organisational Skills can be developed from a young age. Students as young as 4 or 5 enjoy feeling independent and “owning” their work. Have high but realistic expectations, explain clearly what you wish them to do (eg record start and finish times), and model what you wish them to do (eg put their work into their folder). Encouraging a 3 year old to turn pages on their own is the beginning of developing independence and organisational skills. Concentration and focus - Set time targets and encourage students to record their own start and finish times. Gently encourage them to “keep going” if distracted. Start with an easily achievable level - eg 5 minutes per day - and build up gradually. Ensure the work is “just right” for their current ability level. Correcting and Learning from Mistakes increases understanding and instils confidence. Emphasize the positive (“80 correct answers” not “20 errors”), encourage students to see corrections as a learning opportunity, praise effort more than results, and make completing corrections an intrinsic part of daily study. Self-Discipline - By adopting a daily study habit students will make progress every day even when not feeling motivated. Encourage the daily habit, ensure work is just right for their current ability, and set a daily workload which is achievable. Developing Strong Study Skills Perseverance when questions seem difficult develops confidence, a “can-do” attitude and problem-solving skills. To develop perseverance, set work at the “just-right” level, ensure each concept is mastered before moving on, give positive praise, remind students of previously learned concepts which could help with the new problem, and instil confidence that they have the information and skills to answer the current questions. Other desirable study skills include: answering all questions; giving everything a try; time management; fluency, pace and rhythm; reading and following instructions; legible handwriting; good posture. Raring2go! EDUCATION 28 Farnham 01252 416 337 Guildford East 07368 851 172 Guildford North 01372 378 377 Haslemere 01428 642 863
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