In the complex world where competition seems to be ever increasing, academic success is as important as other life skills.

Success at school needs a good blend of how well the child uses the techniques of organisation, time management, concentration, motivation and prioritisation.

Here is how you can help your child to get the year off to a good start.

Time Management

Time management skills can be taught and learnt. While some kids can manage time quite well, few children need help and support from family.

  • Schedule a time to play, watch TV and study. Mark consistent time for each activity for five days a week.
  • Break large assignments and homework into manageable chunks. Track them with a calendar or a chart that will serve as a reminder. Each subject and activity should be colour coded for easier organization.
  • Develop a sense of pride in the child by rewarding her for her good habits. Make her realize the importance of earning extra free time.

Organization

Your child’s success at school is linked to completing the assignments and tasks by the due date, having the books and papers ready when needed and finding the right tools for a given task.

In simple words, more the child is organized, better is the success at school.

Check how your child keeps track of school assignments and work together to evolve a system that can help him stay organized.

Make use of aids such as checklists, folders, binders, organizers, planners to make plans and schedules.

Concentration

Helping a child to improve concentration can pay rich dividends in the future.

Set a clear routine, engage in an activity based on the child’s strengths, puzzles, drawing, memory games, simple timed activities are some ways to improve concentration skills.

As a parent, ensure a child has a good study space with no access to email, phone, TV and other disruptions.

Prioritization

Teach your child to understand what is really important and urgent.

Encourage him to work on things that are important first.

Make a chart that lists the hierarchy of priorities – Projects, Homework Assignments, Test/Exams, etc. Your child can use the hierarchy of priorities for better decision making.

Explain and practice different scenarios and help him to prioritize on what first needs to be tackled first, second and so on.

Motivation

Encouragement and motivation go a long way in making a child do well in school.

A child who is intrinsically (from within) motivated will perform any task with ease because of the joy he derives from learning new stuff. However, there are kids who perform well with extrinsic (outside) motivation.

Some factors that thwart a child from doing well in school  are:

  • Fear of failure
  • Lack of challenge
  • Lack of meaning
  • Emotional issues
  • Attention seeking

You can help your child by:

  • Tapping his interests and linking it to academics.
  • Having an open-communication channel where you can give clear directions and feedback.
  • Building a success model that fosters consistent work towards the goal.
  • Encouraging your child on his expertise with emphasis on his overall progress than comparing him with other students in the class/family.
  • Following your child’s interests and give him reasonable control and choices. Work your child together to set the study hours, weekly goals and organizing system.
  • Congratulating, encouraging, and celebrating all his successes.

Children who study well have good study habits. Regardless of a child’s age, these skills can assist him reach his maximum academic potential throughout his school career. Help your child reach for the stars!!