Whether your child barely gets by or excels in academics, study skills are essential to keep your middle school student on track. Study skills give your child a framework for approaching her homework and studying for tests. Middle school students need the ability to take notes, summarize what they learn, organize the information, study it for tests and use time-management skills to ensure all assignments and studying are completed on time. Your approach to homework time and the environment you create for studying at home affects your child's study skills.
Step 1
Set up a specific area in the home for studying and homework. Choose an area without a lot of distractions but with access to you in case your child needs help. Keep basic office supplies on hand so your middle school child has access to them as needed to complete tasks.
Step 2
Organize a binder with your child to hold all school-related materials. Include a section for homework, notes and handouts your child receives. Check the binder each day after school to make sure your child is using it regularly.
Step 3
Schedule homework and studying time each night after school. Go over the work with your child when he sits down so you are aware of what he is doing.
Step 4
Help your child create an outline and general schedule for completing each task to encourage time management. Ensure that your child has the tools and materials needed to complete the task by asking what is necessary. This allows your child to analyze the situation and determine what is needed without being told.
Step 5
Demonstrate how to skim through material before actually reading it so she has an idea of what the material covers. Have her review the chapter by skimming again or reading the review questions at the end to check for understanding.
Step 6
Review the work your child does at each homework session. Ask your child to explain what he did to ensure he actually understands the material.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your child's teachers to determine the type of study skills they emphasize in class. This enables you to reinforce those ideas at home while your child does homework and studies.
