How to Create Your Own Lesson Plans to Improve Study Skills

How to Create Your Own Lesson Plans to Improve Study Skills

It's no secret that a child's study skills have a significant impact on school success. School can be incredibly difficult if a student is disorganized, can't effectively manage study time, and/or lacks the skills necessary to systematically process new information. If you are concerned about your child's study skills there are simple things you can do at home. Consider creating study skills lesson plans geared toward your child's individual needs that will improve academic performance and increase confidence. 

Some of our favorite study skills lesson plans include:

• Master scheduler A consistent study schedule is a great way to ensure that all academic skills and knowledge are mastered in a timely fashion. Working with your child to develop a weekly study schedule will help you both discover consistent times to devote to studying. Using a large calendar, start by having your child insert all commitments including school, athletic practices and competitions, rehearsals, club meetings, after school activities, and part-time employment. Talk with your child about the schedule and determine which days have the best study blocks available. Write these study blocks directly on the calendar and ensure there is no overlap with other commitments. Check in with your child on a regular basis to see if the schedule works and is providing plenty of time to study.
• Let's get organized Take inventory of your child's current organization system and assess ways it can be improved. Provide ideas and support to boost organization and ensure it has a positive effect on your child's study skills. Consider investing in school supplies that are color coded to help with organization. Assign one color to each subject area and provide your child with a binder, notebook, and folder that all match. This is a simple way to gather materials needed for each specific class.

Your child's at-home study area may also benefit from some organizational help. Make sure your child has a dedicated space to study and it is free of clutter and unnecessary items. Stock this area with pens, pencils, plenty of paper, and ample light. Make sure this study area also has a copy of your child's study schedule that is easily viewable. Remove distractions and make sure other family members are aware of the study area and the need for quiet. 

• What's missing? Taking notes is an important research skill that many students struggle with. High performing students often take notes when listening to lectures, reading a textbook, or reviewing for an exam. You can help your child boost note taking skills by creating opportunities to practice the "what's missing" challenge. Using a piece of academic text create an outline that is missing key components of the reading. Challenge your child to use your      outline and insert the missing information into your draft. This forces your child to think critically about the reading and determine which information is missing. This will also have long term effects on your child's note-taking skills and can have a positive impact on future studies. 

The professional tutors at Huntington Learning Centers are also available if your child needs help in improving study skills. An initial assessment will allow your child's tutor to create a customized learning plan that will boost both your child's skills and confidence. Over time, your child will experience improved study skills that will have a positive impact on all areas of academic study. Our study skills program focuses on time management, organization, and research skills at appropriate development levels based on a student's ability and readiness.