study skills

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Organized vs. Disorganized, Part VI

Note:  This is the next in a series from the book Organizing the Disorganized Child:  Simple Strategies to Succeed in School by Martin L. Kutscher and Marcella Moran…enJOY!  🙂

So…we’ve identified organizational style, chosen and set up supplies, and organizingfollowed the paper trail from school to home and back again…It’s time to charge forward with Super Study Skills!  The most powerful concept at this point to is ASK QUESTIONS.  Learners should always question everything because questioning is the key to effective learning.  There are three parts to consider now:

1.  Effective Reading:  Like all learning, reading starts with actually asking (and answering) several questions.  The reading technique the authors discuss most is called SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review).  This strategy  is based on the active learning process of asking questions.  The learner begins by surveying or previewing the material, then making a mental map of where they want to go by laying out questions to answer.  As they read, section by section, learners ask questions by reading, reciting, and eventually reviewing the answers to the questions.  A quick way to come up with questions is to turn headings into questions so the learner can review all the information at the end once again.

2.  Effective Note-taking:  This also requires asking lots of questions and reviewing information weekly.  Based on the work of Dr. Walter Pauk from Cornell University, the simple system the authors recommend (Cornell Method) provides more than just notes; young learners might actually use it!  This note-taking technique divides a sheet of notebook paper into columns and has the child take notes in the larger, right-hand column.  At home, the child asks what key concepts can serve as hooks/cues for the rest of the information given.  The hooks/cues are written next to the corresponding material in the left column.  At the bottom of the page, the child summarizes the material.  The authors also discuss visual organizers (we use Thinking Maps here at LME), outlines, and flash cards.

3.  Effective Test-taking Techniques:  This section is so important, we will devote the next installment on sharing ideas. 🙂

Once the material is read and effective notes are taken, the learner is now ready to study for the test.  Planning a study schedule, rewriting or reviewing all the materials, using a study buddy, and other ideas abound as the learner prepares to share back the knowledge acquired.  Being able to synthesize the material into as few key concepts as possible is a great learning technique for school and life; besides, when you can teach to someone, you know it well!  🙂

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Study Skills and Homework…really?!

Like any important life skill, studying must be taught and practiced.  There was much discussion in one classroom I visited today on this very topic in fact!  Students had much advice to offer, so here are some reminders to help all of us with our study habits and homework (taken from some experts, our learners!):

  1. Work on the harder stuff first, like math or writing.  You have more brain power then.  🙂
  2. Use the planner and write it all down.  Who can remember everything at once?  🙂
  3. Mom has an special area we use for studying and homework now–it has paper, pencils, index cards, and other supplies we might need to finish our work–we have six kids, you know.  🙂
  4. Stay organized and know what you need to finish your work.  🙂
  5. A really good snack helps me study more.  🙂
  6. I have to “teach” the lesson to dad when he gets home.  I better be ready so he learns it!  🙂
  7. Cooking, reading, playing bingo or other games with my weekly words keeps me sharp.  🙂
  8. I’m given some play time first and then it’s time to settle down to work.  🙂
  9. Mom and dad read when we read; it’s a rule at home.  🙂
  10. No texting or TVs on when I study; grammy means it!  🙂

Here are some ideas our teachers share with parents:

  • Set a good example; allow your child to see you reading, writing, figuring problems, etc.
  • Look over homework assignments and make yourself available to help if needed.
  • Communicate how important school and education are in life.
  • Have high expectations and expect your child’s personal best always.
  • Invite your child to teach you a concept or new information being studied in class; we learn best when we teach someone else the idea.
  • Keep informed about grades and school progress; attend school conferences and participate in school activities teaching you how to work with your child.  Communicate and collaborate regularly with your child’s teacher(s).

Remember, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.  You are our partners and participating members of our learning community!  We always invite your suggestions, your triumphs, and your concerns, so let us know how we can best serve your child and you during this educational journey.  Study skills and homework are ongoing during the academic year…it’s a blessing to know we have some REALLY great ideas to help us!