Back to School Studying… Already?!
by Amanda Deverich
Summer reading, workbooks, and flashcards are trending topics among parents on Facebook. Parents are looking to prepare their children to return to school sharp and ready to learn. Some children are beginning academic drills in the remaining delicious days of summer. Like holiday decorations sold at Halloween, we are tainting the current celebration with anticipation of the next.
Intellectually preparing and strengthening weak skills in advance of school start is wise. Dull work books, strident sit down study sessions, and reading intensives are not. Oppressive study sessions during the summer- or any season- are a recipe for student burn out. Some parents have the discipline and sheer will power to enforce study sessions, most do not. There is an easier way.
Prepare your student effectively and efficiently with focused 15 minute micro skill study sessions. Focusing on micro skills will shore up your students weak areas. Short sessions limit burnout. Positive interaction makes learning fun and safe. Learning exactly how to work with your child in an enjoyable and purposeful manner will empower you both when school begins full swing.
Micro skills are building blocks to learning. Examples of micro skills are handwriting, spelling, and math. Math facts may include addition and subtraction with no fingers or memorizing multiplication tables. Micro skills related to reading and critical thinking include reading aloud with expression, paraphrasing, describing and summarizing. These skills are foundational to your students learning experience and must be mastered for success.
Notice three areas where your child is having difficulty and practice these three areas for just five minutes each. Yes, just five minutes each for a total of 15 minutes each day. Practice these micro skills six days a week. Make tiny steps, do not pressure yourselves to achieve quickly. You are building a foundation.
There are many good workbooks and study aids available. If you are using these that is perfectly fine provided they are not too far beyond or behind your child’s level. You will know if they are too easy if your child completes them quickly with no error or effort. If your child cannot complete half or does not understand the material, most likely it is beyond their level. Micro skills can be reviewed without study aids. A simple conversation can be effective. You may ask, “What is five plus three?” or if you are working on paraphrasing, “Tell me about the show you just watched.”
Let your child know you are working on learning skills. Be sure to tell them it will only be for five minutes. Set a timer if necessary. Let them monitor the clock. Most importantly limit the session to five minutes. Resist the temptation to continue. Ending a difficult study session on time assures your child that studying is not endless pain. Ending an enjoyable micro skill study session makes the child look forward to the next one.
Encourage your child throughout the study session. Notice when your child gets the answer right and also when they persevere. Struggling and sticking with a session takes perseverance, a skill that will serve your child life long. Be patient with frustration or resistance. Remember, your child is most likely focused on summer fun, not on scholastics. Keep looking tiny improvements as you prepare for the fall. Don’t try to master the enter set of multiplication facts in three sittings.
Purposeful and focused efforts that do not drain you or your child of the joy in learning are the way to prepare for back to school. Fifteen minutes of five minute sessions targeting three micro skills each day will go a long way to improving weak areas. This method is doable and enjoyable. There are many clever games to studying reading, writing, arithmetic and more. Please use this post to share yours.
If you would like to learn more simple and effective skills for transforming your child’s homework habits, attend the upcoming Hassle Free Homework presentation on Monday, September 10th 6:30-7:30pm at Williamsburg Counseling. Learn to help your child increase focus, take more responsibility, and work independently. For more information and to register visit: http://www.
Amanda Deverich is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and National Board Certified Counselor. In addition to a graduate degree from The College of William & Mary, Amanda is the only certified Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting practitioner in Virginia. She recently expanded her therapist skill set by completing Advanced Divorce Busting training in Boulder, Colorado. Prior to becoming a therapist, Amanda was an intelligence officer in the US Air Force where she was part of the debriefing team for the returned US prisoners of war from Operation Desert Storm. After being married for more than 13 years, Amanda was widowed and is now raising their two daughters on her own. In her spare time Amanda enjoys reading, writing, and running.
Williamsburg Counseling
1769 Jamestown Rd., Suite 107
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 903-2406
AmandaDeverich@WilliamsburgCounseling.com
www.williamsburgcounseling.com
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