3 Ways to Make the Home “Work” for Your Child
Nowadays, there are so many distractions at home. Smartphones, tablets, TVs, laptops – you name it. The age of technology allows such great access to information, but more than ever, we access this information through devices that can hinder a child’s ability to study and concentrate.
The key is to create an environment that is free of any distractions and establish a healthy routine that will help your child make the home work best for them. Try implementing these 3 tips to create a solid learning environment at home.
1. Block Out Distractions
A study from the University of California found that distractions can seriously hurt productivity. How badly? Researchers discovered that it took workers a whopping average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back on track after being distracted. Do we have your attention now?
Children naturally have shorter attention spans than adults, so the key to blocking out distractions is setting up a space without temptation. Creating an area in the house that is quiet and devoid of technology and other distractions can be key to a successful study session. Make it the “digital detox” zone so that children can stay focused for longer periods.
2. Plan to Take Breaks
Everyone needs a break from work, and it’s not realistic to expect any child to study for hours straight.
Taking breaks refreshes the brain and allows children to better focus on studying when they have to, but it’s also important that breaks are planned. Taking breaks too frequently will mean that children aren’t spending enough time studying, while not taking enough will lead to mental exhaustion.
Work with your child to develop a study schedule, with clear timelines for work and breaks. The longer the work period is, the longer the break should be, and although every child is different, a four-to-one ratio of work to breaks is a good starting point (for example, if they work for an hour, a 15-minute break is a good idea).
Try to keep watches or clocks out of the study area, because you don’t want your child to become preoccupied with the passing time.
3. Consistency is Key
It can take time to develop that first routine, as all kids have different attention spans. Some children will need more frequent breaks while others may be able to work for long stretches at a time, but once the schedule is settled on, it’s very important to stick to it.
It’s also important to stay consistent on all work, not just studying for tests. Kumon’s self-learning method focuses on regular (but manageable) assignments to establish a routine throughout the year, and creating a routine for all schoolwork is the first step to academic success!
So if the home is a place where study has been difficult for your kids, remember these 3 easy steps: Limit distractions, plan to take breaks and be consistent. Do this and you’ll soon go from chaos to successful study!
Interested in finding out more about routine and how to avoid distractions? Speak to an instructor! Book a Parent Orientation.