Why on Earth would I want to develop early learning habits in my child, they’re not ready for that!

This is something that I have heard many parents saying to me and I never tire of telling exactly why it is so important. First I ask… When do you think it’s a good time to develop a child’s study habits? Would you develop them at age five, age six? How about when they are seven, the age children generally start primary school? That seems, to most people, the perfect age to start developing a child’s studying habits.

NO!

Research has shown that what you teach a child by the age of seven is what they will be like for the rest of their lives. A human being’s character is shaped by the events that lead up to their seventh year and everything after that is just trimming. Do you still feel that there is such a thing as “too early”? No? Good.

The three ways in which you can help your child develop good studying habits is simple, but requires dedication. The first is arranging for them to have a room only for studying. Share a study if needs be, but make sure they know that in that room – only work is allowed. No toys/no TV/no games. Secondly you can do small 15-20 minute sessions of studying with your child until they reach school. When they get homework, they can substitute those lessons with you for homework time. Third is to teach them how to study. Use flash cards, audio, video and mind maps. All this will get them used to studying and will give them the leg up they need to be successful at school.

Follow those three very simple steps, and your child will be an academic superstar.

early learning