Parents often ask what they can do at home to help reinforce the ATA & CP messaging of ‘strive for the pursuit of excellence’ and ‘study for the love of learning’.  I love this!  It is truly the village that creates the community, and together we can make a bigger impact.  One thought that comes to mind,  is to encourage them to “Show up.  Listen.  Always do your best.”  Another thought that comes to mind is to model what you wish for them to do: complete tasks joyfully; study diligently, practice what you love to do; and perform with dignity.

In relating specifically to building better study habits, some things that you can do at home are:

1) Ask the right questions.  ie. Instead of asking “How was your day?”, which may result in a one word answer of “fine”,  ask “What are you reading about in History?”, which requires thought and dialog. OR instead of  “Do you have any homework?” which is task oriented, ask “What will you be studying tonight?” which is habit oriented. This develops a proactive mindset instead of a passive one.

2) Designate an evening ritual as ‘study time’ or ‘family time’.  To optimize the effects, it should be repeated each night, at the same time, in the same location, and with minimal distraction. Establish 30 minutes (or longer) to gather at the dining table or in the living room, with no TV, computers or cellular devices. Read. Discuss. Play a game like Bananagrams, Boggle, Yahtzee, etc.

3) Practice this study habit with your child for the next 30 days. Review her day. Ask her to explain the topics she currently studying in each class. Help her locate the process to solve a problem.  Show her how to learn.

4) Read aloud to your family or read silently as a family.  30 pages a day is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your child that will result in improved academic performance and character evolution.  It is also a beautiful way for your family to connect each day.  Suggested books that will spark discussion include: The Chosen, To Kill A Mockingbird, Moby Dick, The Alchemist, Three Cups of Tea, Never Let Me Go, The Giver… or perhaps one that she is currently reading at school.

As parents, we want the the very best for our children.  Emphasize the quality of long-term practice over short-term results.  Show them that you value how they spend their days.  And teach them to appreciate the way in which you spend yours.

Try the 30-30-30 rule: 30 minutes, 30 days, 30 pages.

Let me know what happens next.

Take care, ~Carol