You know getting good grades isn’t magic, right? Academic success is not always a result of raw intelligence or being the “brilliant” child in class. More often than not, consistent academic success is built on something much simpler: solid study habits.
Thankfully, many parents are now realising that waiting until secondary school to help their child build these habits can be very challenging. By then, procrastination, anxiety, and disorganisation may have already taken root. The earlier you teach children how to study well, the easier it becomes for them to thrive both in and out of school.
So, if you’re a parent, tutor, or guardian trying to support a young learner, here are 10 study habits that actually work, along with practical ways to help children develop them early.
Top 10 Study Habits That Actually Work And How to Teach Them Early
1. Create a Study Routine and Stick to It
Children thrive on routine. A consistent study schedule signals to the brain that it’s time to focus. This doesn’t mean forcing your child to study for hours on end every evening. It simply means setting a predictable time for schoolwork each day. The ideal time to do this is when your child is alert and not too tired.
Start with 20 to 30 minutes each day and gradually increase the time as needed. Use a visual timetable or a calendar to keep track of study slots. Make it part of their daily rhythm, just like brushing their teeth or having dinner.
2. Break Big Tasks into Smaller Chunks
Adults often feel overwhelmed by large assignments or revision topics. If adults feel that way, you can imagine how overwhelming it must be for children. That’s why breaking tasks into manageable pieces is one of the best study strategies out there. It helps reduce anxiety and gives a sense of accomplishment as each small task gets ticked off.
If your child has a science project, guide them to break it down by researching, outlining, writing, and revising their work. Use sticky notes, checklists, or apps like Trello or Notion if they’re older children. It builds a habit of approaching tasks methodically.
3. Designate a Distraction-Free Study Space
A proper study space doesn’t have to be a perfect desk setup. It just needs to be quiet, tidy, and free from distractions. Children are easily sidetracked by the television, phones, or even noisy siblings.
Choose a consistent study spot and keep all necessary supplies there, including pens, notebooks, and textbooks. Try to keep devices out of reach unless they’re essential for the task at hand. Make the space feel inviting, not stressful.
4. Use Active Learning Techniques
Reading a textbook cover to cover might feel productive, but it’s not the most effective way to study. Children learn better when they engage actively with material by summarising, teaching it to someone else, or applying the knowledge.
Encourage your child to make flashcards, draw mind maps, or explain a topic back to you in their own words. Let them “teach” you what they’ve learnt. You’ll be amazed at how much they retain.
5. Review Regularly
Cramming the night before an exam rarely leads to deep understanding. It may produce short-term results, but it doesn’t build long-term learning. Instead, regular revision helps children consolidate what they’ve learnt over time.
Set aside one day each week for light revision. This can include reviewing class notes, practising past questions, or discussing topics that they found tricky that week.
6. Encourage Goal-Setting
Clear goals give learning a sense of purpose. Whether it’s completing a reading list, improving in maths, or finishing homework without reminders, children benefit from knowing what they’re working towards.
At the start of each week, ask your child what they’d like to achieve. Help them write about two or three goals and review progress together over the weekend. This practice teaches accountability and builds confidence.
7. Take Breaks
Studying for hours without a break does more harm than good. The brain needs rest to process and absorb information. Short, timed breaks improve concentration and help prevent burnout.
Introduce the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. During breaks, encourage movement such as stretching, walking around, or even dancing a little. It keeps energy levels up.
8. Focus on Understanding
True learning is about understanding concepts, not just reciting facts. Children often fall into the trap of memorising notes word for word, only to forget everything shortly after.
Ask open-ended questions, such as, “Why do you think that happens?” or “Can you give me an example?” Avoid “Did you memorise this?” and instead, reward curiosity and problem-solving.
9. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
Children need to know that effort counts. When you only reward top marks, you risk building perfectionism or discouraging those who struggle. Praising hard work helps children associate learning with growth, rather than the fear of failure.
Celebrate milestones, such as completing a challenging assignment or staying focused for the entire study session. Use phrases like “I’m proud of how you handled that” or “You really stuck with it.”
10. Model the Behaviour You Want to See
Children are watching. If you read, stay organised, manage your time well, and stay curious, they’ll pick up those habits too. Parents and guardians have more influence than they realise.
Let your child see you reading a book, making a to-do list, or learning something new. Share your own challenges and how you overcame them. Learning becomes a way of life, not just a task.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect way to study, and no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. But teaching children how to learn well is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them. These habits won’t take root overnight, but with consistency, patience, and support, your child can develop study routines that last a lifetime.
Whether your child is preparing for Common Entrance exams, settling into a UK boarding school, or receiving tutorial support here in Nigeria, these foundational habits can make all the difference. Need help building your child’s study skills?
We have designed our tailored tutoring programme to meet your child’s unique learning needs. Get in touch to discover how we can support your child’s academic, emotional, and overall growth.
