Before school even starts, parents should talk with their children about the importance of good study habits. They should select a spot in the home that is well lit, quiet (away from the TV, stereo, iPods, etc.), comfortable, neat, and well supplied with paper, pens, pencils, a dictionary, thesaurus, and an atlas. Studying needs to be made a priority every day even if there are not specific assignments to complete.

Parents and children should determine the most appropriate time for studying and should stick to that time each and every day. Even if there is no specific homework to complete, students should use the set study time to read, review material covered, practice math facts, write, etc. As a general rule, the study time should last for at least 20 minutes or up to 10 minutes for every year in school.

Parents should also be sure that students have a well-organized notebook with dividers to separate subject areas. Once school begins, parents should get in the habit of checking the notebook every day as they help their children understand the importance of organizing work that needs to be completed as well as work that is ready to be handed in to the teacher. Being sure every night that completed work is easy to locate will help ensure that work will be ready to correct and/or turn in on the due date.

Lastly, if the school provides the students with day planners, make sure the child uses it....or get the child an assignment book. Encourage the child to write down all assignments and due dates and check the day planner daily starting on the first day of school to see what work has been assigned and what still needs to be completed.

It will take some work on the part of the parents and their children to get organized, but taking this time will certainly pay off.