Encouraging children to study for long hours without it feeling like a chore can be a delicate balance. While we want to instill good academic habits, forcing a child to study for extended periods may lead to burnout or resentment. Fortunately, some daily habits can create an environment that fosters a positive attitude toward learning, helping children naturally extend their focus during study sessions.
Building these habits can take time, but once established they can significantly extend the time children spend studying without pressure. The key is creating an environment that encourages learning, curiosity, and self-discipline while allowing for flexibility and fun. With a supportive framework, children can develop a love for learning that naturally leads to longer study sessions and ultimately academic success.
Here are some daily habits that encourage children to study for longer hours:
Creating a structured routine:
Children thrive on structure and consistency, and a daily routine can work wonders for extending study hours. By setting aside specific times for homework, revision, and other educational activities, children come to expect these periods as part of their day. This consistency removes the stress of deciding when to study and reinforces the idea that learning is a regular part of their routine. But make sure this schedule is realistic by allowing enough time for breaks, meals, and recreation to avoid overwhelming them.
Design a distraction-free study space:
A dedicated study area can greatly impact how much time a child spends on work. This space doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it should be quiet, well-lit, and free of distractions like televisions, toys, or mobile devices. When children associate a specific spot with studying, it helps condition their brains to focus better when they are there. Over time, this habit can naturally extend the hours they spend on concentration. Personalising the study space with simple items like a comfortable chair or colourful stationery can also make the area inviting and motivate them to sit there longer.
Encourage breaks and time management:
It may sound contrary to common sense, but encouraging regular breaks can help children study longer. The Pomodoro technique, for example, advocates 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short five-minute break. By dividing study time into manageable chunks, children can maintain focus without feeling mentally exhausted. Parents should emphasise that these breaks are for relaxation such as stretching, walking around, or having a healthy snack. Teaching time management from an early age not only helps children stay organised but also fosters a sense of independence, allowing them to gradually extend their study sessions as they see fit.
Promote curiosity and lifelong learning:
Children are naturally curious, and fostering this curiosity can make learning enjoyable rather than something to dread. By incorporating real-world examples, games, or experiments that tie into their lessons, children are more likely to engage with the material and want to explore it further on their own. When learning becomes exciting and not just an obligation, children are more likely to invest more time in it, extending their study hours effortlessly.
Provide positive reinforcement:
Acknowledging a child’s effort can be more effective than rewarding only their achievements. Regular praise for sticking to their study schedule, completing assignments, or showing improvement encourages a growth mindset. When children see that their hard work is appreciated, they are motivated to continue. Parents should focus on process-oriented praise, such as, “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that assignment,” rather than results, so that children understand the value of dedication and persistence.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 24 October, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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