Whether they’re in elementary school or high school, creating a dedicated study routine is a great way to make study time more focused and productive.
#1 Supplies at the Ready. If you don’t have a separate desk space, use a bin or caddy with all the key supplies at hand. One for each kid makes life easier. They’ll spend less time getting ready (Where are the scissors? Who took all the pens? Why can’t I find the calculator!?) and more time knocking out homework.
#2 Natural Lighting. Research shows studying under natural daylight increases retention and productivity. The sun is not always on your schedule, so try an OttLite natural daylight lamp. You’ll see details clearly with reduced glare and eyestrain. And, many come with storage compartments for your supplies and USB charging ports to charge devices while studying.
#3 Phone Free Zone. Especially for older kids, turn off the phone, Snapchat and email. Set a goal for 50 minutes and then take the phone out of the desk drawer for a quick peek. Fewer interruptions means better focus.
#4 Cancel out distractions. Distractions can be parents, siblings, the TV, people having fun outside. Noise cancelling headphones are a great way of shutting out the world AND letting other people know to it’s study time.
#5 Inbox. Just like at school (mostly K-5), create an inbox where your student can drop off any papers for you to review or sign. They come home and it’s the first thing out of the bag (we should add the remnants of lunch to the list too!). Completed homework should go in there too so you can take a look. Homework’s done, in the inbox. When you’re running out the door the next day, just scoop it up and go.
Share with us what works at your house!
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