Parent/ Student Resources
Ten-point Guide for Parents: How You Can Help Your Child Study
Useful for student reference
1. Study space
Provide your child with a distraction free study environment. This can be a place at home in any room, at the local library, or other location. This space should:
a. Be free from distraction, interruptions, and outside noise
b. Be available at any time without permission or special time frames
c. Have adequate lighting and study space
d. Contain all the study materials needed (dictionary, paper, books, pens, pencils)
e. Have a comfortable and appropriate desk and chair (rooms with only a couch or bed are not adequate).
2. Time management
Help your child to create a schedule. Together:
a. Determine how your child currently spends the hours in each day
b. Decide whether or not your child is spending appropriate amounts of time watching television, on the computer, and using electronic devices (video games, phones, texting, etc.)
c. Plan realistic time frames for studying and homework
d. Encourage your child to study at the same time every day
e. Make sure your child takes regular breaks when studying (to get up and walk around the room or get a drink or snack)
f. Ensure that your child plans time to review before tests
g. Do save time for extracurricular activities and for family time
h. Make time for exercise—it is important for physical and mental well-being
i. Be flexible…you may need to modify the schedule
3. Organization
Organization is a key to success in school and life. Help your child to:
a. Keep track of assignments and homework with a daily planner
b. Prioritize assignments and homework (do hard stuff first, save easy stuff for last when he/she may be more tired).
c. Break down large projects into small chunks. A monthly calendar is great for this. You can find templates online.
d. Maintain a clean space where you can think clearly (clean rooms are relaxing)
e. Sort assignments into different notebooks or sections in a notebook. Check this at least once a week and fix as needed.
f. Keep backpack clean and organized, so that you can easily find everything (no rotten food or crumbled paper at the bottom).
g. Make sure supplies are brought to school every day. Refill paper or pens/pencils.
4. Learning Styles
Help your child figure out how he/she learns best. If the strategy works, keep using it. If the strategy does not work, find a better way to study. Each child is different and shouldn’t be forced to study any one way. Your child can try these study options:
a. Study with a partner, in groups, or even with a parent.
b. Reread the book for important information.
c. Take notes. Try Cornell notes or another style.
d. Incorporate thinking maps (graphic organizers) into notes.
e. Use any study guides provided.
f. Create flashcards. Have someone else test you.
g. Color code notes with highlighters.
h. Create fun songs to help recall information.
i. Add symbols or pictures to notes.
j. Try reading textbook or notes aloud.
5. Mnemonic techniques
These are catchy ways to remember information such as pictures, stories, or images. Some have been listed above. Tell your child to use these tips before creating a mnemonic:
a. Use positive, fun images
b. Use humor…funny things are easier to remember
c. Use symbols and colorful images
d. Use images you are familiar with
6. Improve Memory
Encourage your child to use these suggestions to improve memory and recall:
a. Avoid distractions when studying or reading (this includes texting and chatting!)
b. Pay close attention to what you are reading and make notes or draw pictures to help emphasize a point.
c. Relate new material to something you already know. Make connections.
d. Review and recite what you’ve learned after the lesson.
e. Create mnemonic and other memory devices when appropriate
f. Visualize the material.
g. Intend to remember. Having the intention to remember something puts the mind in a condition to remember.
h. Make material logical in your hear. Organize thoughts and ideas.
i. Stay interested. The brain prioritizes information by meaning, value, and relevance. It is important that you are interested in the material and that you understand it. You must learn something before you can remember it!
j. Practice! Your memory will only improve by practicing with the techniques.
7. Develop Reading Comprehension Skills
If your child is having difficulty understanding what he/she is reading, remind them to use one of the following strategies:
a. PORPE Method (ideal for studying textbook materials in preparation of essay exams)
i. Predict: potential test questions from the reading
ii. Organize: put main idea into own words
iii. Rehearse: recite main topics and idea aloud
iv. Practice: write questions you think may be on test and answer them
v. Evaluate: how well you could answer your own questions, how well you understand, and how comfortable you feel
b. REDW (If having difficulty finding the main idea of a paragraph)
i. Read: Figure out the general idea of the main point.
ii. Examine: highlight words that stand out, or write them down
iii. Decide: which sentence has the main idea. The sentences that contain other important words are the supporting details
iv. Write: write the main idea
c. SQ3R Method (to improve comprehension and retention)
i. Survey: survey the reading to determine main idea or purpose
ii. Question: make up questions as you survey material
iii. R1=Read: think about your questions and the answers while you read
iv. R2=Recite: after you answer your questions, ask your questions again and recite answers aloud
v. R3=Review: go over all notes and memory aids within 24 hours, and again after one week. Continue to review until exam
d. SMRR Method (similar to the one above)
i. Skim: skim title, heading, art, and captions, and then read entire paragraph or passage
ii. Mark: highlight topic sentence and key details (or write them down)
iii. Read: read again, slowly, to make sure you clearly identified main idea and supporting points
iv. Reread: review paragraph or passage again to make sure you understand
8. Reading Strategies
To improve retention and understanding of reading, encourage your child to:
a. Always underline important terms
b. Write out definitions for key words
c. Develop questions and answers based on reading
d. Summarize in your own words what you have read when you are done
e. Practice by reading regularly (Try using a variety of reading materials such as textbooks, newspaper articles, magazines, etc.)
f. Look up words that you are not familiar with and write their meanings
g. Stay on task…if you mind wanders, get it back on track right away
h. Vary your reading pace depending on your familiarity with the topic
i. Try to visualize what you are reading
j. Indicate in the margin, as a side notes, where to find key information (use sticky notes for school textbooks)
9. Note-taking
If you or your child cannot understand his/her notes or your child doesn’t know how to take notes, remind him/her to:
a. Concentrate in class and stay focused on what the teacher is saying
b. Prepare yourself before class…be mentally ready and listen attentively
c. Listen for cues or a ‘signal statement’ about important information that may be on a test
d. Read course material prior to class so you are prepared and ready when class begins. Review notes from the previous lesson.
e. Keep notes in one place for easy reference (separate notebook/binder/section for each class or subject)
f. Copy down everything the teacher writes on the board
g. Make side notes about material you do not understand so that you can ask the teacher for more detail later
h. Ask the teacher to repeat something he or she has said or slow down if you are having trouble capturing the information in your notes
i. Remember that you do not have to write everything. Be selective and take notes on what you think is most relevant
j. Use abbreviations and symbols and write in a tone that you understand and are familiar with (+ plus; @ at; # number; p. page; w/ and w/o with and without; & and; e.g. for example; i.e. that is; = equal; ↑ up; ↓ down; ¶ paragraph; ≠ not the same/ different)
k. Write neatly. Review notes after class. Rewrite if necessary
l. Include any examples your teacher may talk about. This can help emphasize a point and create a visual.
m. Highlight key words and words that relate most to the lesson
n. Leave blank areas in your notes to add comments later or further on in the lecture or lesson.
10. Relax
Helping your child to reduce anxiety or stress will improve his/ her performance:
a. Try to encourage rather than discourage them. If your child didn’t do as well as they had hoped to, encourage them to try a different study strategy. When a student feels successful, they are more likely to be successful.
b. Give positive reinforcement whenever possible. Hugs help.
c. Ask your child about his/her day. Show interest in what they are learning in addition to how well they are doing.
d. The more relaxed your child is, the better he/she can do. Yoga and deep breathing exercises can help fend off frustration.
e. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Inadequate sleep can cause depression, anxiety, and falling asleep in class. Be aware of your child’s phone, video game, computer, and internet usage at night.
f. Be sure that your child is eating a healthy breakfast and lunch, which can improve their concentration.
g. Make sure your child is taking regular breaks when studying.
h. More hours studying doesn’t necessarily mean more information is being retained. Study smarter, not harder, by using the above tips. Be consistent.
i. Organization cannot be overstated. Check your child’s planner to make sure it is being used on a regular basis. If no homework was assigned, have your student write down what he/she learned or did during class instead.
j. A positive attitude is important! Encourage your child to stay positive. Even if your child complains about a class/ subject, encourage your child to find something he/she likes or is interested in. By focusing on the positive, your child will get more out of the class and will do better in school.
k. Teamwork. Remember that you and your child’s teacher together are a powerful team. Stick together. Contact your child’s teacher, before you accept your child’s excuses or complaints. Oftentimes, the teacher knows something about the situation which your child is not telling you, and vice versa.
l. Speak up. Encourage your child to speak to the teacher if he/she doesn’t understand something, even if it means asking the same thing over and over again. The overwhelming majority of teachers teach because they care about children and education. We want your child to do well.
Useful for student reference
1. Study space
Provide your child with a distraction free study environment. This can be a place at home in any room, at the local library, or other location. This space should:
a. Be free from distraction, interruptions, and outside noise
b. Be available at any time without permission or special time frames
c. Have adequate lighting and study space
d. Contain all the study materials needed (dictionary, paper, books, pens, pencils)
e. Have a comfortable and appropriate desk and chair (rooms with only a couch or bed are not adequate).
2. Time management
Help your child to create a schedule. Together:
a. Determine how your child currently spends the hours in each day
b. Decide whether or not your child is spending appropriate amounts of time watching television, on the computer, and using electronic devices (video games, phones, texting, etc.)
c. Plan realistic time frames for studying and homework
d. Encourage your child to study at the same time every day
e. Make sure your child takes regular breaks when studying (to get up and walk around the room or get a drink or snack)
f. Ensure that your child plans time to review before tests
g. Do save time for extracurricular activities and for family time
h. Make time for exercise—it is important for physical and mental well-being
i. Be flexible…you may need to modify the schedule
3. Organization
Organization is a key to success in school and life. Help your child to:
a. Keep track of assignments and homework with a daily planner
b. Prioritize assignments and homework (do hard stuff first, save easy stuff for last when he/she may be more tired).
c. Break down large projects into small chunks. A monthly calendar is great for this. You can find templates online.
d. Maintain a clean space where you can think clearly (clean rooms are relaxing)
e. Sort assignments into different notebooks or sections in a notebook. Check this at least once a week and fix as needed.
f. Keep backpack clean and organized, so that you can easily find everything (no rotten food or crumbled paper at the bottom).
g. Make sure supplies are brought to school every day. Refill paper or pens/pencils.
4. Learning Styles
Help your child figure out how he/she learns best. If the strategy works, keep using it. If the strategy does not work, find a better way to study. Each child is different and shouldn’t be forced to study any one way. Your child can try these study options:
a. Study with a partner, in groups, or even with a parent.
b. Reread the book for important information.
c. Take notes. Try Cornell notes or another style.
d. Incorporate thinking maps (graphic organizers) into notes.
e. Use any study guides provided.
f. Create flashcards. Have someone else test you.
g. Color code notes with highlighters.
h. Create fun songs to help recall information.
i. Add symbols or pictures to notes.
j. Try reading textbook or notes aloud.
5. Mnemonic techniques
These are catchy ways to remember information such as pictures, stories, or images. Some have been listed above. Tell your child to use these tips before creating a mnemonic:
a. Use positive, fun images
b. Use humor…funny things are easier to remember
c. Use symbols and colorful images
d. Use images you are familiar with
6. Improve Memory
Encourage your child to use these suggestions to improve memory and recall:
a. Avoid distractions when studying or reading (this includes texting and chatting!)
b. Pay close attention to what you are reading and make notes or draw pictures to help emphasize a point.
c. Relate new material to something you already know. Make connections.
d. Review and recite what you’ve learned after the lesson.
e. Create mnemonic and other memory devices when appropriate
f. Visualize the material.
g. Intend to remember. Having the intention to remember something puts the mind in a condition to remember.
h. Make material logical in your hear. Organize thoughts and ideas.
i. Stay interested. The brain prioritizes information by meaning, value, and relevance. It is important that you are interested in the material and that you understand it. You must learn something before you can remember it!
j. Practice! Your memory will only improve by practicing with the techniques.
7. Develop Reading Comprehension Skills
If your child is having difficulty understanding what he/she is reading, remind them to use one of the following strategies:
a. PORPE Method (ideal for studying textbook materials in preparation of essay exams)
i. Predict: potential test questions from the reading
ii. Organize: put main idea into own words
iii. Rehearse: recite main topics and idea aloud
iv. Practice: write questions you think may be on test and answer them
v. Evaluate: how well you could answer your own questions, how well you understand, and how comfortable you feel
b. REDW (If having difficulty finding the main idea of a paragraph)
i. Read: Figure out the general idea of the main point.
ii. Examine: highlight words that stand out, or write them down
iii. Decide: which sentence has the main idea. The sentences that contain other important words are the supporting details
iv. Write: write the main idea
c. SQ3R Method (to improve comprehension and retention)
i. Survey: survey the reading to determine main idea or purpose
ii. Question: make up questions as you survey material
iii. R1=Read: think about your questions and the answers while you read
iv. R2=Recite: after you answer your questions, ask your questions again and recite answers aloud
v. R3=Review: go over all notes and memory aids within 24 hours, and again after one week. Continue to review until exam
d. SMRR Method (similar to the one above)
i. Skim: skim title, heading, art, and captions, and then read entire paragraph or passage
ii. Mark: highlight topic sentence and key details (or write them down)
iii. Read: read again, slowly, to make sure you clearly identified main idea and supporting points
iv. Reread: review paragraph or passage again to make sure you understand
8. Reading Strategies
To improve retention and understanding of reading, encourage your child to:
a. Always underline important terms
b. Write out definitions for key words
c. Develop questions and answers based on reading
d. Summarize in your own words what you have read when you are done
e. Practice by reading regularly (Try using a variety of reading materials such as textbooks, newspaper articles, magazines, etc.)
f. Look up words that you are not familiar with and write their meanings
g. Stay on task…if you mind wanders, get it back on track right away
h. Vary your reading pace depending on your familiarity with the topic
i. Try to visualize what you are reading
j. Indicate in the margin, as a side notes, where to find key information (use sticky notes for school textbooks)
9. Note-taking
If you or your child cannot understand his/her notes or your child doesn’t know how to take notes, remind him/her to:
a. Concentrate in class and stay focused on what the teacher is saying
b. Prepare yourself before class…be mentally ready and listen attentively
c. Listen for cues or a ‘signal statement’ about important information that may be on a test
d. Read course material prior to class so you are prepared and ready when class begins. Review notes from the previous lesson.
e. Keep notes in one place for easy reference (separate notebook/binder/section for each class or subject)
f. Copy down everything the teacher writes on the board
g. Make side notes about material you do not understand so that you can ask the teacher for more detail later
h. Ask the teacher to repeat something he or she has said or slow down if you are having trouble capturing the information in your notes
i. Remember that you do not have to write everything. Be selective and take notes on what you think is most relevant
j. Use abbreviations and symbols and write in a tone that you understand and are familiar with (+ plus; @ at; # number; p. page; w/ and w/o with and without; & and; e.g. for example; i.e. that is; = equal; ↑ up; ↓ down; ¶ paragraph; ≠ not the same/ different)
k. Write neatly. Review notes after class. Rewrite if necessary
l. Include any examples your teacher may talk about. This can help emphasize a point and create a visual.
m. Highlight key words and words that relate most to the lesson
n. Leave blank areas in your notes to add comments later or further on in the lecture or lesson.
10. Relax
Helping your child to reduce anxiety or stress will improve his/ her performance:
a. Try to encourage rather than discourage them. If your child didn’t do as well as they had hoped to, encourage them to try a different study strategy. When a student feels successful, they are more likely to be successful.
b. Give positive reinforcement whenever possible. Hugs help.
c. Ask your child about his/her day. Show interest in what they are learning in addition to how well they are doing.
d. The more relaxed your child is, the better he/she can do. Yoga and deep breathing exercises can help fend off frustration.
e. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Inadequate sleep can cause depression, anxiety, and falling asleep in class. Be aware of your child’s phone, video game, computer, and internet usage at night.
f. Be sure that your child is eating a healthy breakfast and lunch, which can improve their concentration.
g. Make sure your child is taking regular breaks when studying.
h. More hours studying doesn’t necessarily mean more information is being retained. Study smarter, not harder, by using the above tips. Be consistent.
i. Organization cannot be overstated. Check your child’s planner to make sure it is being used on a regular basis. If no homework was assigned, have your student write down what he/she learned or did during class instead.
j. A positive attitude is important! Encourage your child to stay positive. Even if your child complains about a class/ subject, encourage your child to find something he/she likes or is interested in. By focusing on the positive, your child will get more out of the class and will do better in school.
k. Teamwork. Remember that you and your child’s teacher together are a powerful team. Stick together. Contact your child’s teacher, before you accept your child’s excuses or complaints. Oftentimes, the teacher knows something about the situation which your child is not telling you, and vice versa.
l. Speak up. Encourage your child to speak to the teacher if he/she doesn’t understand something, even if it means asking the same thing over and over again. The overwhelming majority of teachers teach because they care about children and education. We want your child to do well.