The little schoolboy is busy with his assignments. No need for his mama to help him research. Good thing at an early age, this momi was able to train her boys to study on their own.
With three boys all attending school and this mother busy with her one-year-old boy, time management at the small house would certainly be an issue. And so, to make life easier for everyone, I’ve encouraged the boys to be independent on their studies and follow a certain study habit. Their mother is still available though for guidance but not to feed them answers to their homework.
Some important “study time” rules we follow at the small house:
1. Regular study time.
This mother encourages her boys to do their homework the same day their teachers gave them the assignment. The boys usually arrive at 4 pm. They have at least 30 minutes to change clothes and eat merienda (usually rice). After that, they need to be at their designated places to start with their assignment.
After their homework would be a quick review of the day’s lessons. I also encourage them to study in advance in preparation for tomorrow’s new lessons.
2. Specific study time area.
We have our living room as the designated study area. Each has his own table to use for research and writing. And in doing their assignment, we have the one-at-a-time rule wherein they have to finish their Reading assignment first, for instance, before putting on the table their Mathematics notebook. This, I believe, would help them concentrate more on the subject, without thinking and seeing that there are still undone homework. Also, there would be less clutter on the table.
3. Study time means peace and order time.
There will be no television, radio or cellphone while studying. Pocketbooks, toys and anything that would distract them from studying are all off-limits at the living room. If they have finished their homework and reviewed before dinner, then they can watch a few television shows.
4. Understand what you have written or just read.
If doing research, the boys are encouraged to use the encyclopedia or dictionary. They can also use the laptop for further research. It is a must though that they do not copy the entire paragraph but to paraphrase them. Plagiarism isn’t encouraged at the small house. That way, too, we would be certain that if they can paraphrase the article, they have understood it. This system also helps the boys improve their writing composition.
In reviewing for an exam, the boys are encouraged to make their own flashcards. These flashcards are very handy and they could bring them to school for quick review while waiting for their subject teacher. Also, I let them read the chapter then ask them to explain or summarize it in their own words.
5. Check on them, too.
While the boys are reviewing for an exam or doing their assignments, I make sure to sit in the same room with them. This gives them reinforcement. Also, it tells them that I am always available for any questions or help.
After doing their assignment, the boys need to show to their mother their work. This way, I would be able to check on grammar, misspelled words, and even their handwriting.
Also, one by one, we check each subject and ask the boys what they did in the classroom. If they just had their Math test, I always casually ask them “How did the Math test go?”
If by chance any of my boys relayed to me that they have difficulty understanding a certain subject, I write to their teachers and ask help to kindly explain further the subject. Sometimes though, if my husband or I could do it ourselves, we do not bother the teacher for help. I also have the habit of rechecking seat works and exam papers. If I saw a correction, I write to the subject teacher. This way, all necessary correction will be addressed and corrected properly.
6. Have a dialogue with the classroom adviser.
Good thing that the boys’ school has arranged a dialogue session with the classroom adviser during the releasing of report cards. That way, parents are aware of their children’s academic and character standing in school. This mother always looks forward to such opportunity. I also relay to my son what his teacher had just told me so he would be aware as well.
7. Weekends are free time!
MOMI TIPS| 7 highly effective study habits
Fridays and Saturdays are my boys’ “me time.” They could play PS2 or check on their tablets. They can also watch their favorite television shows until 10 pm. If we have extra money for movie dates or Timezone, we go out on a Saturday.
These are just a few of the study habits we implement at the small house. So far, they work for us. If you could share yours, we would gladly welcome your comments, please.
I have to bookmark this! As I know these tips are coming from a mum of 4 boys! So subok na subok na ang mga strategies na ito. Hihi. I like that the last tip is about free times during the weekends. Noong bata pa ako, nakakainis kapag pati tuwing weekends need mo mag-aral ng todo todo. Parang di natuloy nakakapahinga. Even us mums are productive and happier when we have me time, diba? 🙂
Mismo! Even us moms need that me time to recharge and be extra productive.
Mother of 3 very young boys here. 🙂 I’m gonna need this. 🙂 my eldest is going to school and I have applied some of tips here. I love every tip you gave. 🙂
Thank you for appreciating the tips. All the best sa boys natin 🙂
I used to study like this when I was younger. Now, I couldn’t read a book without classical music. It helps me absorb all the information I need. 🙂
Classical music helps, most studies say. When I write, I often listen to Bach and I find myself more effective and productive as well.
I have read all your tips and I’m happy that I’m doing those tips so I’m hoping that my son will be independent soon. Except sa “writing letters to teachers to explain further” kaya ako ang nastress sa pagturo, feeling ko tuloy naghohomeschool ako. Kudos to you, I only have one and nahihirapan na ko pag exam time, how much more kung marami pa. 🙂
Hehe. Perhaps writing is a fave, kahit sa love letter to teachers type na type ko gawin. Nakakahilo rin kung marami kang tinuturuan tapos magluluto ka pa at maghuhugas ng plato after. ehehe.
Take it from an expert – Momi Berlin! I’m pretty sure I will need these sooner or later for Nate. or kung meron mang susunod pa kay Nate. hehe. Your kids are smart – now I know why, di lang genes – may study habit din talaga sila at tinututukan pa ni Momi Berlin, kudos! ♥
Thank you. Good thing as well the boys love to learn. Your Nate is doing good. Daming alam!
Galing ng mga pointers! I should really start on how we will do this kapag magstart ng mag school ang mga boys ko. Ewan ko pero parang just thinking of it will make me crazy!
Haha. Thanks. Kala mo lang crazy. You will enjoy it for sure. Marami ka ring bagong matututunan at maraming refresher. Ehehe
I am starting to this one and looking for a perfect study table for him, para he can focus
These tips worked for my girls too when they were still here with us full time. I’m also trying to teach these things to my son even if he’s homeschooled. So far, so good. 🙂
Wow ang galing. Hope I can apply these rules when Cloud starts going to school. Looks effective ehh. Thanks for sharing!
You are always welcome.
Tamang Tama saken ang blog na to lalo na at isa rin akong student mom . Bilang isang ina at estudyante na sabay sobrang hirap talaga pagkasyahin ang oras na meron ako. Thank you Mommy Berlin for sharing this to us