How to Stop the Back to School Struggles Before They Begin!

Back to school is nearly upon us! But that doesn't mean parents and students should run for the hills in fear - a little preparation can go a long way in helping children start the school year off on a strong foot. Here are just a few proven tips from the study skills experts at Club Z!   Balancing homework, extracurricular activities, and family life can sometimes seem harder than herding cats, as the saying goes! But as difficult as setting a consistent schedule may be, it can pay dividends for your child’s productivity and the family’s sanity. One simple step is to try to organize the household so that dinner is served at a standard time during the week. Once dinner is over, you can designate that time as study time. Of course homework can always be done before dinner if your schedule permits, but providing a predictable schedule for everyday activities like dinner and baths makes it much easier for your children to plan their day and meet expectations in the classroom and at home. Speaking of expectations, it is important to consider your child's developmental level and attention span when setting the amount of time for homework. While a high school student can generally remain focused on a single task for over an hour, a first grade student may struggle to last more than 15 minutes! Allow your child to take breaks as needed - you can even plan them as rewards for finishing a section of work.   A really critical component to successful studying is to identify a space where your children can focus, free from distractions. This often means that the best place for them to study isn't always the place of their choosing (i.e. on the couch in front of the television). Ideal spaces may include your child's bedroom or the dining room table. For whichever area you select, be sure to set the stage for success by ensuring that there is adequate desk space and lighting. Most desk spaces for young people don't really have sufficient space to spread out materials such as textbooks, workbooks, planners, scratch paper, resource materials, etc. A table that allows for all necessary supplies and other essentials can make a huge difference in your child's study time!   To have a FREE study skills guide emailed to you, or to get more information on how one of our expert study skills tutors can help your child achieve success this school year, contact Club Z! at 800-434-2582 today.