Good study habits are key to succeeding at any level. Therefore, it is crucial to adapt good habits early. Here are some study tips you can use to help sharpen your skills;

1. Get Organized. Between homework, tests and extra-curricular activities; it’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks. A planner can help your child keep everything organized. Students are also encouraged to write down assignments, appointments and create to-do lists. Encourage him/her to review items in the planner at both the beginning and end of the day to stay on track.

2. Know the Expectations. Students shouldn’t have any surprises when it come to how and what they will be graded on. By high school, most teachers will provide a course outline or syllabus; which can serve as a guide for the semester. If expectations aren’t clear, don’t wait until a bad report card comes. Your student should feel comfortable approaching teachers with questions about grading and assignments at any time. If this is not the case, it may be time for you as a parent to step in.

3. Designate a Study Area. Yes, studying at the local coffee shop may seem like a good idea but not if there are constantly people interrupting or other disruptions. Even at home, studying in front of the TV won’t be the best starategy for success. Help your child by providing a quiet, well-lit, low-traffic space for study time. Take it one step further and institute a “communications blackout” policy, where no cell phones or instant messaging is allowed until tasks are completed.

4. Develop a Study Plan. First things first. Students need to know when a test will take place, the types of questions that will be included and the topics that will be covered. From there, your student should create a study plan and allow ample time to prepare. There is nothing worse than cramming the night before an exam. You can help by purchasing a wall calendar and asking him/her to assign topics and tasks for each day leading up to a due date or exam. Setting goals for each session is also key to success.

5. Think Positively. Being in the right mindset can make all the difference. Encourage your child to think positively when studying or heading into an exam and by all means, avoid catastrophic thinking. Help him or her turn negative statements like “I’ll never have enough time to get a good grade on this exam” into positive ones; such as “I began preparing later than I should have but I put together a comprehensive study plan and will be able to get through the material prior to the exam.”

Students deserve a head start so they can enjoy their time in school and pass with flying colours.