Notes from…
The Boys Town
Learning Academy
Number 1 in a Series
General Study Skills
Studying is important for your child’s academic success. However, children are not always taught study skills at
school. Additionally, even when effective skills are used, study time may not be as productive if the study space is
less than ideal. Below we will describe some structural components of studying, or how to make an effective study
space. Then we will talk about actual study strategies to facilitate learning within that space.
Structural Components
A study space that encourages learning and allows a child to focus is referred to here as a structural component,
because it is the foundation of the child’s study habits and promotes effective study skills. So what does a
“structurally sound” study space look like?
 Comfortable (but not too much!)
 You don’t want your child uncomfortable, but sometimes being too comfortable can make a child
less alert and focused. A table and a chair with a back is a good option.
 Organized
 The study space should have a system for keeping track of notes, past assignments, and assignments to be completed. Having clear spots for everything will decrease the likelihood of homework
getting lost and will allow for easy access to notes.
 Fully stocked
 Any supplies needed for studying and completing homework assignments should be kept in the
study area to reduce time spent trying to find these items, such as pens/pencils, erasers, highlighters, papers, folders, flashcards, paper clips, stapler, pencil sharpener, etc.
 Making the study space more personalized will encourage your child to use it. Let them pick out
something to make the space their own, such as a special motivational poster or a fun pen/pencil holder.
 Adequate lighting
 Your child should have adequate lighting in this area to
prevent eye strain. If the overhead lights aren’t enough,
consider getting a desk lamp.
 Limited distractions
 There is so much technology around that can distract
students. Try to make the study space a tech-free zone,
including no TV in the area (or TV stays off during study
time), no phones in the vicinity, and computers/tablets
only used if needed for an assignment. NOTE: When these technologies must be used for homework, frequent parent check-ins are recommended.
 Music during studying is something you and your child will have to discuss. Some children study
better with noise, while others require minimal sound. Feel free to try both and decide what works
best for your child.
Two other important structural aspects of study time are having a planner and establishing a routine. Your child
will benefit from using a planner to write down both short- and long-term assignments and due dates. This is important to help your child stay organized and learn to plan ahead. Creating a routine is an integral part of studying,
although it will likely require some planning ahead for families. It is best to pick a study time and stick to it in order
to create some regularity for your child. If you aren’t sure how long your child should be studying each night, ask
your child’s teacher for some guidance. When picking the study time, remember that you know your child best –
do they need a snack, to change clothes, or some rest time before starting homework? Build it in! Just make sure
the routine is the same every day so that it becomes a structured activity. It is also okay to build in a break or two
if it is difficult for your child to study for an extended period of time – but let your child choose whether or not to
use it (they may be really enjoying their homework or in the middle of something important). Study time should be
completed every day, even if your child has no assignments due the next day. They can always use the time to
review notes, make flashcards, complete future assignments, or study for upcoming tests.
Study Strategies
Now that you have a great study space, along with a planner and routine, you are probably wondering how best to
use that space. Below are some study skills/actions (some may not apply depending on your child’s age).
 Complete less interesting assignments first
 Have your child first do the assignments they are less likely to enjoy. When these are done, they
can move on to something more enjoyable. As your child gets tired, it will be easier for them to
stay focused if the assignment is more fun.
 Take notes
 Have your child take notes in class. The action of writing notes down helps them learn the material better and also helps them catch important things the teacher may be saying.
 Review, review, review! If your child reviews their notes on a daily basis, they will be able to recall
the information better – even just reading the notes over helps. When your child is reviewing, encourage them to make new notes about things they have now remembered or about how material
might tie together. Also have them note things they are still confused about so that they can ask
their teacher for help.
 If your child is reading a textbook, have them outline their reading or jot down a key point or two
from each paragraph.
 Apply the learning
 Encourage your child to think about how the information they are learning applies to the real
world or how they have seen this concept in the world around them. This will help them understand and remember concepts and also help make learning more fun.
 For example, if your child is learning about levers or pulleys in science, have them identify
some examples of levers and pulleys that they have seen.
 Flashcards
 Have your child make flashcards for important terms or for vocabulary words as they learn the
information. These flashcards will also be useful for more intensive studying before a test.
 Vocabulary words should be reviewed every day!
 Spelling
 Have your child review their spelling words and practice spelling every day.
 Use praise and rewards
 Did your child stick to study time and get all assignments completed and turned in? Praise those
efforts! Did your child study hard and get a good test grade? Tell them how great you think they
did because of their hard work.
 You could even take your child out for a special activity or meal or let them have a friend over on
the weekend as a way of recognizing their hard work and commitment.
To learn more about the
Boys Town Learning Academy,
call 402-498-3358 or visit us online:
www.boystownpediatrics.org/counselingservices/Pages/Learning-Academy.aspx