Studying is a skill that is learned, like riding a bike. In primary school it is not about putting in lots of hours, but about getting into the habit of sitting down for a while every day, getting organised and finishing what they have started.

The basics

  • Same place, same time. A tidy table, with good light and no screens in sight.
  • First, a snack and a short break. Nobody can concentrate when they are hungry.
  • Time suited to their age. Short blocks with breaks work better than one long session.
  • A planner. Go through it together at first and let them manage it more and more on their own.
  • Start with the hardest thing, while they still have energy.

Our role

Support, not do. We can help them plan and clear up a question, but the homework is theirs. If we do it for them, they learn that they are not capable. It is better to value effort and perseverance than the mark.

Simple techniques

Read, underline the most important parts, explain it in their own words and ask themselves questions. From around the fourth or fifth year of primary school, outlines and diagrams help a lot.

If even so every afternoon is a battle, it is worth talking to the class teacher to adjust expectations.