Achieving Effective Learning Habits: 5 Ways to Help Your Child Think About Thinking

Providing your child with a full and thriving education is one the most important facets you will face in raising a healthy and successful individual. And it is equally important to instill this culture of education into their everyday thinking. Rather than teaching them specific study methods, actually enhancing a child’s awareness of what it takes to be successful involves their ability to, “think about thinking” otherwise known as metacognition. If they come to the realization that learning can occur both in and outside of the classroom and throughout their entire lives, the sky is the limit for what they’ll be able to accomplish. I have provided four basic steps in helping children accentuate their leaning experience. 1.) Instill the Significance of LearningSure most children want to do well on their test, make a good grade and please their parents and teachers. But it is important to let your child know that learning is more than just a grade. Learning is something that they will be doing throughout their entire lives. Whether it’s learning how to succeed in their future job or learning how to swim the backstroke, learning is a life long process and not just for school. Constant learning is something that is going to benefit them no matter what they’re doing and will help them to truly become the person that they want to be. 2.) Self Regulation in Goal Setting and Study PlanningGoal setting is vital in preparing your child for educational success. Helping your child to break down their assignments into manageable steps also prevents developing the bad habit of procrastination. It is important for children to ask themselves, “What do I need to do (what is my goal)? How long do I have to get there? And how is the best way to get there?” Show them how to set specific daily goals within a larger timeframe. For example practicing spelling out their vocabulary words a little bit daily rather than cramming the night before the test will teach them how to plan within specific timeframes. Encourage your child to do this themselves, so that they learn a thing or two about developing independent study skills and managing their time wisely. 3.) Help Your Child Understand Which Study Strategies Work BestTry a few different study strategies such as using math drills versus quietly working on an assignment, verbally repeating words for mastery versus reading a book, or working quietly alone versus working within a study group. This helps your child figure out which learning techniques work best for them. Instilling in your child the importance of self-monitoring whether or not certain study techniques increase success is an important component of self-regulating their learning process. This way they can discard those techniques that don’t work for them and focus on the ones that do. 4.) Realize the Importance of Parental Support and Home EnvironmentIt has been shown time and time again that parental interest and involvement in their child’s education both at home and at school lend toward academic success. Do your best to create a home environment that fosters study and encourages inquiry and achievement. Provide adequate time and support at home and this will ensure that your child is prepared to live a life of educational success. 5.) Concentrate on AttitudeKeep a positive attitude toward study and learning regardless of how challenging the task and your child will as well. Be an encouragement to your child and help them to believe that they can succeed. This includes setting high, but not unreasonable expectations. Often if you expect little, you will get little in return. Challenge them and they will flourish. Make study time a priority and something that needs to be done daily. Create consequences if study is not completed and reward for sticking to their study plans. Make sure to highlight the fact that while their successes please you, their attempts and hard work please you just as much. By following these simple steps, you are able begin to teach your children to reflect on what it takes to not only succeed in the classroom but to become lifelong learners. Help your child truly begin to think about thinking while creating for themselves a culture of learning. See what successes are theirs for the taking.