By David Block
Q: How do I promote good study skills in my child, who starts kindergarten this year?
A: First let’s discuss what we mean by the term study skills. For children in middle school and above, study skills usually involve such things as notetaking, time management, reading strategies and test-taking strategies. Elementary school children aren’t required to perform these higher level skills so their study skills may include behaviors such as paying attention in class, keeping a neat desk, bringing home and completing their homework and using their time wisely.
To promote good study skills requires the parents to enact a behavior modification program. Simply, this means bringing the child’s actions into line with the outcomes you seek to see them perform. The parent should use positive motivation to achieve these goals. This means the focus should be on rewards for correct behavior rather than punishment for incorrect behavior. We strive harder for a reward than we do to avoid a punishment.
Start the behavior modification program by sitting down with all those involved in the child’s scholastic activities. This may include parents, grandparents, teachers, and any other care providers. Come up with a list of the behaviors you wish to enhance. To start with, narrow these down to a list of three or four. Put these study skills (behaviors) on a large sheet of paper or poster for the child to see. Even if he is not reading yet, you can read them to the child. Now, make a list of rewards. This may include anything he likes to do such as playing on the computer, watching TV, eating candy, etc.
With children in pre-K through second grade you will need a visual representation of their current behavior status. Using a cork board, attach a calendar or a chart showing the days of the week. Cut out some circles and draw on smiley faces. Use these as markers. Each day you can attach a marker for every correct behavior. Let’s say that to start with they need three out of a possible four markers to earn a reward. You can eventually raise this requirement. If he doesn’t get the minimum markers for a reward, there’s no punishment — just no reward. Remind him of what’s needed for earning a reward and tell him that tomorrow begins with a clean slate. If at week’s end, he has earned a reward each day, you may want to offer a larger reward for having a really good week.
Successful behavior modification takes time and patience, but it offers tremendous rewards to both parent and child. Beginning such a program in the early years, may prevent many battles in the coming pre-teen and teenage years.
David Block is executive director of the Academic Skills Center and has been an educator for more than 15 years. You can contact him at (706) 324-2400.
