On getting good grades

A WARM hello to all parents out there! I missed all of you in the previous issue, but I am here now. Let me see, what subject to tackle now? Hmmm, it's right in the middle of school season back here in the Philippines.

Aside from the proverbial rainy days and traffic, guess what kids in school worry the most? Studying and getting good grades.

Here are some helpful tips that made my life easier when I was still studying. I wasn't a straight A student, but I got above average grades that made my parents very proud of what I accomplished.

Good Study Area

The key to studying and working on assignments is having a good place to study. A spot in the house where it is well lit and away from distractions like the television, human traffic and such. Get a small table and chair for your first and second grader. For teens, a study desk is a good investment for good grades.

Off with the TV and Radio

I find Jai's mind wander away in the middle of homework when the TV is on. Turn off anything that can divert the kidsf attention, even radios. When the attention span of your child is still short like my 7-year old, it is important to keep him focused on finishing homework and studying. The TV and radio can be turned on as soon as these get done and can serve as a reward for such hard work.

Read, read, read!

Develop your children's reading habits. Buy them books even if they are just toddlers. Find out what he or she likes and start from there. It can be books on dinosaurs, insects and even construction trucks like my Jai. When a child loves reading, he or she can carry this on until he grows up. Trust me, a well-read child is always abreast with his class or if not, even ahead of it.

Write about it

Tests - for some kids it spells nightmare. Don't let your child fear exams and tests. Help by suggesting that when he or she studies from a book or a manual, he should write down important notes and data on his notebook. By the time the test comes, your child can picture his notes in his mind and remember more information. This is better than memorizing lists and text from rote.

Feel good, study good

Make sure that your kids are not too tired, hungry or even sleepy when they study. Making them study after a heavy meal, active play or too late at night will make them study less and sometimes, not study at all. So pick a time that is best for him and you. Set studying time after a nap and light snack, say in the afternoon. For teens, early at night is an ideal study schedule.

One last advice I would like to share with my fellow parents is that getting good grades isn't everything in the world. The most important thing, for me, is that my child LEARNS, LEARNS TO LOVE LEARNING and has a blast in school.

Happy studying!

A mother of two, Doddie is a PR practitioner and a seasoned writer who met her husband on the Internet. You may email the author at doddie@philippinestoday.net

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