To make sure our kids get the best education possible, the school and the home must work together. If students don’t complete their homework or study outside of the regular class time, it will be difficult for them to ever achieve their full potential. Getting an education is just like playing a sport. If a basketball player only practices when he/she goes to basketball practice, he/she will never achieve his/her full potential. They must go to practice having “practiced” what they have already been taught. This type of practice, repetition, and drill makes for a strong athlete. The same can be said for being a strong student. Kids must have practice, repetition, and drill outside of their practice or class time.

Here are 4 strategies to help your student’s academic success.

1. Work with your student to get them into the habit of reviewing notes within 24 hours of taking them. Approximately 90% of new information is forgotten within 24 hours unless it is reviewed. Reviewing old information immediately before new learning takes places helps establish an inter-connectedness between the two and thus significantly improves retention.
2. Remember that studying is more than just doing homework assignments. When kids study they should remember to:
   • Take notes as they are reading a chapter.
   • Study the tables and charts in the texts. They often contain important information that students need to know.
   • Summarize what they have read in their own words.
   • Make flashcards for quick reviews of dates, formulas, vocabulary words, etc.
3. A great way for kids to study is to use the “3R” method: read-recite-review. Read the text, set the text aside and recite out loud all that you can remember, and then read the text a second time.
4. Research has shown the brain responds to color. Consider having them color coded highlighters when going over their notes. This can help them remember based upon visual stimulation.