HELP YOUR KIDS LEARN - Create a Positive Study Environment
Parents can support and encourage their children's
successful learning by helping them create a positive study
environment. Here are some of the ideas we give to parents
of children who have attended SuperCamp, our summer
enrichment program for youth and teens. Children spend a
lot of time studying at home (we hope!) so why not help
them take responsibility for their study space and make it
work for them? With just a little effort it can actually be
a positive, appealing area where they feel comfortable and
motivated.
In all our Quantum Learning teachings we build an awareness
of an important concept— we use it at SuperCamp and we use
it in our teacher training and in-school programs—and it's
also worth remembering when creating a positive study
environment at home. Everything Speaks means that
everything in the environment sends a message that either
enhances or detracts from learning. Think about tidy vs.
cluttered chaos, light and airy vs. dim and dark, inviting
and functional vs. any old place.
Location
As they say in real estate, location is everything. Find a
place that's quiet and free of distractions—so, if
possible, not the family room or the dining room table! The
ideal is a defined study area in your child's bedroom.
Furnishings
Make sure home study areas have good lighting (ideally,
natural light and a lamp), shelves for reference books and
supplies, and a computer, if needed. Obviously, they'll
also need a desk or table with space for their study
materials as well as a work area that's not cramped. And a
comfortable "sit-upright" chair will help them stay alert
and focused.
Resources
Make sure your kids don't have to waste valuable study time
looking for a pen! Help them stock up on pens, paper, and
pencils, and have them all within reach, not just somewhere
in their room! Also make sure they have whatever reference
material they need.
Music
Some classical music is "brain friendly" and enhances the
study environment. Baroque music helps students to focus
and to access their most resourceful learning state. The
music optimizes the functions of the brain that store and
retrieve information. Many (most?!) children will think
that their own music is best, but try to convince them to
try baroque—they may well notice that it makes their study
time easier, and want more! Suggest that they try some
Bach, Handel, or Vivaldi while they're studying and save
their own music for breaks. If your kids are resistant, a
first step might be to suggest that they choose music that
does not have words—words interfere with the part of their
brain they need to study effectively, even if they're not
consciously listening to the words!
Affirmative signs
Positive signs will remind your child's subconscious mind
of his or her potential to learn. Help your child create an
inspiring atmosphere by making some signs—use lots of color
(our brains love color!) and the following ideas to get you
started:
- I BELIEVE IN MYSELF
- EVERYTHING I DO DESERVES MY BEST EFFORT
- LEARNING IS FUN AND NATURAL!
- EVERY CHALLENGE OFFERS A GIFT
- I AM UNIQUE AND VALUABLE
- I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT I CREATE
- I CAN LEARN THIS!
- EVERYONE HAS THE RESOURCES TO BE SUCCESSFUL
Another good idea is to have an achievement area (a
bulletin board would work well) for awards, papers with
good grades, and lists of accomplishments. A bulletin board
would also work well for posting study schedules and
reminders of project due dates.
Homework support
Your show of interest, support, and guidance in helping
your child create a positive study environment at home will
go a long way toward establishing great homework habits.
It's also a good idea to create and agree on homework
guidelines so you can continue to work together toward
success. Why not have a special lunch together and set up a
plan that will work for both of you? You could also
consider a reward for consistently following "the plan."
- Homework time: Sometimes it's not easy because of
extracurricular activities, but try to define a specific
time each day that homework will be started.
- Distractions: Fewer distractions equals more productive
time. Make a plan with your child about the timing for
phone calls, internet "browsing", and play time.
- Breaks: Breaks are important. Research shows that
students remember more of the information learned at
"beginnings" and "endings" of study periods. Thus, better
retention is experienced when frequent breaks are taken. A
ten-minute break after each hour of study time will enhance
learning. (For younger children who don't have such long
study periods, a five-minute break every half hour will
work well.)
- Flexibility: You will both need to agree to be
flexible—sometimes homework will have to start a bit later,
sometimes a family commitment will mean starting a little
earlier, sometimes a break may need to be slightly longer
than five or ten minutes. Flexibility keeps you and your
child connected!
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SuperCamp summer programs fill up fast. Go to
http://www.SuperCamp.com now to learn about enrolling your
son or daughter while spaces remain. Age-specific programs
are available for students in grades 4-12 and incoming
college freshmen. At the website, you also can get a free
eBook that gives you an inside look at what works with
teens from a world leader in youth achievement, SuperCamp
co-founder Bobbi DePorter.
