A TO Z habits of a good student

There are many online resources that provide advice for parents to help their children develop good study habits. Besides achieving good grades, these effective practices promote a solid work ethic. Listed below are some suggestions for reinforcing these beneficial skills.

Dr. Seuss said, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

Develop a Love for Reading

Parents can help their preschool/kindergarten age children aspire to attain good study habits by reading to them on a daily basis and encouraging independent reading as they grow older. The entire family has much to gain by building its own culture of literacy. Reading together as a family presents many opportunities to create memorable quality times and interact as a family in exploring the world.

Feel Comfortable in Writing
The more students write, the more they feel comfortable and confident about writing, as well as expressing themselves and communicating. Similar to reading, polishing writing skills on a daily basis outside of school work is recommended whether it’s writing poetry, fiction or keeping a journal. Children need time to write on their own without the expectation of being graded or assessed for their work. Writing each day also develops a child’s critical thinking skills.

Preparedness, Preparedness, Preparedness!
Helping children build their own organizational system to manage tests and assignments is a vital component in the pursuit of academic excellence. Setting aside the necessary resources for them to properly study, making sure they have the right testing materials and having a backup plan when something goes wrong helps students gain the level of preparedness and organization they need to succeed. Organization comes down to goal setting, identifying tasks to accomplish it and taking action to reach the goal. As a result, the feeling of accomplishment when a child sets and reaches a goal is quite rewarding for the whole family. 

Never Stop Asking Questions

A sign of a passionate learner is constant inquisitiveness. Parents should encourage their children to always ask questions. When children ask questions, they are engaging independently in their own learning process to gain knowledge and understand the world around them. They are also exercising their critical thinking and communication skills. Effective learning starts with the natural curiosity that drives children to seek answers from parents and teachers. 

Contributed by Doug Fleischli, MA Fairmont Private Schools

Image Credit: WikHow