The school year is here again. New teachers, new friends, new goals. As kids get back into routine, one thing matters most—developing strong study habits. Good habits shape not just grades but confidence, focus, and life skills.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Simple changes in study routines can unlock a child’s full academic potential. It’s not just about spending more hours on homework. It's about making every minute count. This article walks you through 7 study habits to teach kids this school year that actually work.
Let’s dive in.
Weed Out Distractions
Distractions are the number one enemy of productivity. Especially for kids, focus can easily slip away. One notification can send them down a 30-minute TikTok rabbit hole. A sibling shouting or TV playing nearby? That's another study session lost.
To help kids focus, set up a distraction-free environment. That means phones out of reach, social media tabs closed, and TVs off. A dedicated study space helps their brain associate the area with learning. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Even a corner with a clean desk, comfy chair, and decent lighting does wonders.
Also, block digital distractions. Use tools like “Focus Mode” or apps that lock out social media during homework hours. Explain the difference between helpful technology (like online study tools) and distractions (like gaming apps). When kids know the 'why,' they resist the urge more often.
Finally, encourage parents to get involved. Having someone hold them accountable—without being overbearing—can keep distractions at bay.
Think Like An Educator
One of the best-kept secrets? Teaching someone else is the ultimate way to learn.
When students explain a concept in their own words, it deepens understanding. They're not just memorizing—they're thinking critically. Ask them, “How would you teach this to your younger sibling?” Suddenly, their brain works harder to break down the material. That’s when real learning happens.
You can turn this into a game. Have them pretend to be the teacher and explain a math concept. Or summarize a history chapter like they’re giving a news report. Use whiteboards or paper if that helps them visualize ideas.
Thinking like an educator also builds confidence. Kids feel proud when they can explain something clearly. It transforms study time from something boring into something empowering. Plus, this habit reinforces memory naturally.
No More Cramming
Cramming is like cramming three sandwiches in your mouth—you don’t chew, and you forget what you ate. It might work for a quiz, but it fails for long-term retention. Yet so many kids do it because they don’t know a better way.
Introduce the idea of distributed practice. It’s the opposite of cramming. Instead of studying all at once, you break topics into smaller sessions over time. The brain remembers better when it’s exposed to information more than once, with breaks in between.
Set up a simple study plan. Use a calendar to schedule short review sessions for each subject. 20 minutes today, another 20 two days later, and again next week. That’s how material sticks.
Use flashcards, quick quizzes, or even short writing prompts to help kids recall information. This habit builds long-term learning and eases stress before tests. Kids perform better because they’re not trying to do everything the night before.
Don't Forget To Take Breaks
No one runs a marathon without water stops. Brains need breaks too. When kids try to study for hours without rest, their focus crashes. They feel frustrated, tired, and less motivated.
Teach them the Pomodoro Technique. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer 15-minute break. This method boosts concentration and keeps their brain fresh.
Breaks don’t mean scrolling Instagram. Encourage movement—jumping jacks, stretching, or even walking around the room. Some kids benefit from coloring or doodling during their breaks. It calms their mind and resets focus.
Also, snacks help. Healthy foods like nuts, apples, or yogurt give their brain a boost. Avoid sugar crashes from candy or soda. Hydration matters too. Keep water nearby.
By respecting the need for rest, kids come back sharper and more prepared to learn. It’s not slacking—it’s strategic.
Better Notes = Better Studying
Great studying starts with great notes. Unfortunately, many kids write down everything or nothing at all. Neither helps.
Teach kids to write smart notes, not just more notes. Focus on main ideas, definitions, and examples. If a teacher repeats something, mark it with a star. Use colors, arrows, and diagrams to highlight important parts.
Encourage the Cornell Note-Taking System. Divide the paper into three sections—main notes, cues, and summary. After class, fill in the cues (questions or key terms). Then summarize at the bottom. This structure helps kids review easily later.
If they learn visually, use mind maps or charts. If they prefer writing, summaries and outlines work well. Let them experiment with different methods to find what sticks.
Also, review notes regularly. A quick review every few days cements the information. Don’t wait until exam week. Studying becomes smoother when their notes make sense.
Give Your Memory A Workout
Memory is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Help kids train their memory with active recall. Instead of rereading, ask questions. Cover the answer and try to remember it. Flashcards work well, but so do simple Q&A drills. For example, “What are the three branches of government?” They answer, check, and repeat until it sticks.
Spaced repetition is another tool. Revisit info at gradually increasing intervals. Day 1, day 3, day 7. This triggers the forgetting curve—and beats it. The brain rewires to remember information longer.
Mnemonics help too. Rhymes, acronyms, or funny associations make facts stick. Think “PEMDAS” for math or “Never Eat Soggy Waffles” for directions. The sillier, the better. Laughter locks in memory.
Mixing study materials also helps. It’s called interleaved practice. Instead of doing ten similar math problems, mix different types. It forces the brain to think instead of coast.
Finally, sleep plays a role. Most memory consolidation happens during sleep. That’s why all-nighters often fail. Encourage kids to sleep well the night before a test.
Embrace The Challenge
Let’s face it—some subjects are just plain hard. But avoiding them won’t make them easier. In fact, struggling is part of learning.
Teach kids to see challenges as growth opportunities. Struggle doesn’t mean failure—it means their brain is building new connections. The harder it feels, the deeper the learning.
Instead of saying, “I’m bad at math,” help them reframe it. Say, “I haven’t mastered this yet.” That one word—yet—builds a growth mindset.
Mistakes should be welcomed. Go over wrong answers. Ask, “What can I learn from this?” Show how every error teaches something new. Praise effort, not just results.
Also, show them how to break big tasks into small parts. One page of reading at a time. One problem at a time. Progress feels more achievable this way.
Celebrate small wins. Finishing a tough assignment, understanding a tricky concept, or simply asking a question in class—these matter. They build momentum.
Conclusion
Teaching study habits takes time. But the earlier kids learn them, the stronger their academic foundation becomes.
These 7 study habits to teach kids this school year aren’t just about homework—they’re about independence, confidence, and growth. Whether it's blocking distractions, improving note-taking, or embracing challenges, every small change adds up.
Help kids study smarter, not longer. Equip them with tools that last far beyond this school year.
Now it’s your turn. What habit will you start with today?
