Persuading kids to study can take an excessive amount of energy. There always seems to be something that keeps them from 'hitting the books': television, video games, lack of motivation.
How can you get kids and teens in the mood to study when they just don't seem to feel like it?
SuperCamp, a leading academic summer camp that teaches life and learning skills to kids and teens age 11-18, promotes the concept Everything Speaks. If a child is surrounded by positive affirmations of their ability, they will feel capable of anything they set their minds to.
Something that many parents overlook is environment. A child may have every intention of studying, but TV, computers, internet, and daily family traffic can distract them from fulfilling their objective. Even something as simple as the lighting in a room can dissuade kids and teens from 'hitting the books'.
Physical environment has a massive impact on a teenager's study habits. A cluttered desk can often be dismissed because there is no room for him or her to spread out. The remaining options are usually somewhere that has less than ideal conditions for concentration: TV rooms, dens, and busy kitchens.
How can you help motivate kids to study? SuperCamp believes that the first step is a calm, studious environment. Help them choose a place in the house away from family activity and distractions. If it is necessary to choose a den or TV room, draw back the curtains and let in as much light as possible. A bright room will keep a student alert and focused.
If the study environment is in the student's room, ensure that the space they have to use is neat and organized. Studies have shown that kids absorb more information in an orderly environment than they do in a place cluttered with items. This will also help them find papers, books, pens and anything else they need to aid them in the study process more easily.
Another great way to enhance the studious atmosphere is by making signs that remind kids of their goals and aspirations. A favored SuperCamp technique involves positive affirmations. Messages like "Everything I do deserves my best effort", "I can learn this", and "I believe in myself" will energize your child and make them feel capable of anything they set their minds to.
Baroque music, sometimes called mathematical music, tends to move the brain to a relaxed, focused learning state because of its tempo. The music optimizes the functions of the brain that store and retrieve information, and is therefore great to have playing softly in the background during a study session.
Make learning a joint effort. Your kids should know that you have a vested interest in their academic career. Stocking the study area with reference books, writing materials, text books, notes, and proper lighting will ensure that they have a successful learning experience. Positive learning environments can make a significant difference in every student's life!
For more study tips from SuperCamp, request your free study skills guide, "10 Ways to Study More Effectively," or call 800-285-3276 to speak with a customer care specialist.
