Radio Commentary
Researchers agree
that parents who coach their children in essential study skills can make a
difference that lasts a lifetime.
Parents can help
by having a time and place designated for studies. They should stress the
child’s sense of responsibility in completing all assignments thoroughly and
accurately.
Some specific
skills parents can support include the following:
• For time
management — help students list goals and schedule deadlines. Discuss ways to
maintain that schedule day in and day out, even when other activities seem to
interfere.
• For reference
materials and libraries — take children to the library and show them how to
find and use the reference materials available.
Becoming
comfortable with a library helps enormously as children’s academic assignments
become more complex.
• For listening
skills — children can practice listening to instructions and other verbal
messages at home. Remind them there is a difference between hearing and truly
listening.
• For verbal
presentations — encourage children to discuss their activities, and practice
oral reports at home.
The more
comfortable they become with the techniques of verbal presentations at home,
the more successful they will be in the classroom when those skills are needed.
Home is where
study skills are learned and refined, with parents’ help. Helping children
develop these skills will yield lasting, long-term benefits, while helping your
children become life-long learners.
