To ensure young children develop good study habits, parents may want to consider developing a study area in the home. Children are more successful if they can do their homework or study in an area that is free from distractions. Young children typically are only able to focus for 15 minutes at a time. This ability to focus increases gradually as they get older. Creating a study area will help to avoid unnecessary distractions and allow their ability to focus to develop.
The study are can be at a desk or even a kitchen table, as long as there are no distractions such as television. You can designate a specific time each day that your child will complete their schoolwork. It should also be an area where you will be close by to assist your child in completing assignments. You can create their own space with all the tools they will need to complete their schoolwork. You can also display some of their best school papers for added encouragement.
Younger children focus far better if they are in a location where they can still interact with their parents. Therefore, the area should not be an isolated room. Your children should be able to see or hear that you are close by. You may want to sit with them while they are doing their schoolwork if they are in first or second grade. As children progress and get older, they will begin to enjoy more privacy while they are completing their schoolwork.
Establishing study habits at a young age will help your child achieve academic success. Providing an appropriate study environment will help develop their ability to focus on tasks that need to be completed. An environment free of distractions will enable your child to expand his or her ability to focus for longer periods of time. You will help ensure your child’s success in school.