Learning to Study - a crucial skill 

One of the most overlooked areas in school is teaching children how to study. Yes, there might be a quick lesson or two in Life Orientation, but beyond that, learners are mostly left to figure it out on their own. They’re expected to juggle multiple subjects, plan their time, stay on schedule, and resist procrastination, all while mastering content across topics they may or may not find interesting.

For some learners, this comes naturally. They can read something once, memorise it and recall it without breaking a sweat. But let’s be honest, those learners are rare. The rest? They need tools, structure and a bit of guidance.

What if we taught study skills like we teach times tables?

Imagine if learners started building proper study habits from Grade 3. If they were shown simple ways to take in information—whether they read it, heard it, or watched it—and then given strategies to remember it? Not only would it boost their confidence, but it could also spark a lifelong curiosity for learning.

The internet is full of advice on study methods. You’ve probably come across reels and videos that promise to be the only way to study smarter. Add to that the many learner types—visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even begin.

So instead of guessing what works, let’s look at what science says actually helps.

1. Distraction is the enemy of learning

Phones and other devices may be useful in small doses, but they’re also incredibly distracting. That one notification ping is enough to derail your child’s focus. Switching between schoolwork and scrolling turns a focused brain into a multitasking mess, and productivity takes a hit.

Try setting up a distraction-free space during study time. Devices off, notifications silenced, minds switched on.

2. Breaks are your brain’s best friend

Not many learners can focus well for more than an hour—and that’s being generous. Younger children especially tend to lose concentration after about 20 minutes. So short, focused bursts of study time with regular breaks are far more effective than marathon cramming sessions.

Breaks aren’t a sign of laziness. They help the brain lock in what’s just been learned.

3. Make your own study resources

When learners create their own notes, mind maps, flashcards or diagrams, they actively engage with the content. That process helps cement the information in memory. Whether they’re making study aids from scratch or using high-quality summaries like the ones from StudyChamp, the key is to avoid copying word for word. Instead, they should read with attention, then try to explain the concept in their own words.

Better notes lead to better understanding, which leads to better marks.

4. Teach what you’ve learned

This one’s a classic, and it works. If your child can explain what they’ve learned to someone else, they’ve truly understood it. Ask them to teach you something they covered in class that day, or better yet, let them explain a tricky exam concept they’re wrestling with.

This is especially helpful for subjects like Maths, English and Afrikaans. Learners studying in pairs or small groups can quiz and teach one another—it turns revision into active learning.

5. Test early, test often

Some learners shy away from testing themselves, thinking they’re not “ready” yet. But research shows that testing improves memory. Even if they get it wrong, that mistake is part of the learning. The catch? They must use the memo to check their answers. That’s where real progress happens.

The earlier they test themselves, the better they’ll remember when it counts.

Final thoughts: Keep it simple

Studying doesn’t need to be complicated. Learners don’t have to try every method on the internet or worry about what type of learner they are. They just need to:

• Minimise distractions
• Use or create their own study tools
• Teach someone else when they can
• And test themselves often

It’s not about working harder, it’s about learning smarter. And that’s something every child can master—with the right support and a few smart habits.

Sources:

https://www.edutopia.org/article/study-habits-to-teach-kids-this-school-year?utm_content=linkpos1&utm_campaign=weekly-2025-07-23&utm_medium=email&utm_source=edu-newsletter

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/57644/13-effective-study-strategies-to-help-students-learn