Schedule breaks.

Sleep well.

Set aside time to study each subject.

You’ve probably heard it all before. Sure, a solid study plan takes all the above into account, but to take a solid plan and turn it into a stellar one?

Read on to find out how!

 

What’s the goal?

Want to score an A1 for O Level or PSLE English? Or perhaps just a straight-up improvement in Mathematics? There is a big difference between looking to study for an ‘A’, and studying to jump a grade.

Even if it’s an overall revision for the upcoming examinations; decide on the goal. It will help outline the steps needed in order to reach it, and will determine exactly how much time and effort is needed for each subject.

Note also that every subject is different, and bear this in mind:

• How much reading does your child have to do to achieve his goal?

• How much reviewing does your child have to do achieve his goal?

• How much practising does your child have to do achieve his goal?

Take all of that into account as the framework is laid out, and plan accordingly.

 

Take it day by day

Space it out, break the monotony and consider setting a different goal each day. More studying on Monday, perhaps; longer breaks on Tuesday then. Wednesdays could be dedicated to nothing but reading, and go all out with every subject on Thursday.

It’s entirely up to you or your child – study plans do not have to be dull or repetitive!

 

Set realistic expectations

The hours in a day are limited, as is a person’s ability to focus. It can be easy to overestimate, or even underestimate not only the time needed to study, but also how long one is able to do so.

Allow your child to have some leeway. There will be good days and bad days, so know that having a bad day is more than okay.

 

What is your child like?

If your child is one to procrastinate, or if getting him or her to study is like pulling teeth, then do take that into account if you’re reading this with setting up a study plan for them in mind.

Some students find themselves able to focus better later in the day – after play or a morning walk, for example – and if that happens to be your child, scheduling time to study after he or she releases some pent-up energy is perfectly fine. The goal, after all, is always how well they can focus, and how much they are able to get out of each study session.

Conversely, if your child happens to be an early riser, or one who prefers to get the studying out of the way, as early on in the day as they can, then go ahead and schedule all the studying before lunch comes around!

Every child is different, and what (or when) works well for one child, may be different for another. Frankly, it’s really no fun at all when we have to resort to glares and threats and nagging to get our child to please get studying because exams are coming!

 

Set an end in sight

Is it a 5-day study plan? Or maybe it will last the length of a week. Perhaps we’re feeling motivated enough to draw a month-long one up – round of applause there!

However long it is, whatever it is, do have a clear end in sight. Why? Because completing it is a sign of achievement, and this not only encourages your child, but sends positive signals to him or her too. It’s like saying, “Congratulations! You’ve stuck with it, you’ve made it. You’ve achieved your goal!”

 

A few extra tips

• Put the study plan in an obvious spot in the house, so that it is always seen.

• Remember to tick off achievements as they are completed!

• Make it attractive: Add colours, stickers, even draw on it! (It makes it less like a Schedule of Gloom and more like something your child would actually want to stick to.)

 

Even the best and most dedicated of us need help sometimes, and Cognitus Academy is here to provide that. Using methods of the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), we have designed a system that develops critical thinking in students; integrating practical English language and Mathematics skills that closely follows MOE’s curriculum, and PSLE  and O Level examination formats.

We understand that choosing the right programme is an important decision and we welcome you to find out more from our curriculum specialists, or call us at 8321 8252. So don’t wait, and let us help you with any concerns and needs that you might have today!