Schools teach what to learn, but rarely how to learn. A few research-backed study skills can make a big difference, and children can start using them from around age 8.
1. Test yourself instead of re-reading
Re-reading feels productive but works poorly. Closing the book and trying to remember is far more powerful. Turn notes into questions and quiz each other.
2. Little and often
Ten minutes a day over a week beats one hour the night before. Spacing practice helps memories last.
3. Explain it in your own words
Ask your child to teach you what they learned. If they can explain it simply, they understand it. Where they get stuck shows what to review.
4. Draw it
Mind maps, timelines and simple diagrams help children organise ideas and remember them.
5. Mix it up
Practising different types of problems together, instead of twenty of the same, helps children learn to choose the right method.
6. Plan the work
For bigger tasks, break the work into small steps on a calendar. Ticking off steps builds confidence.
7. Sleep on it
Sleep helps memories stick. Staying up late to study usually backfires.
Make it a habit
- Same time and place each day.
- Phone and tablet in another room.
- Short breaks every 20 to 25 minutes for younger children.
For adults, our blog has guides on spaced repetition and the Feynman technique. For children, a short daily habit is the start: the Smart Kids Club offers 5 puzzles a day.