By Erin Micali, PsyD From looming deadlines to jam-packed academic calendars, students today face a growing pressure to excel in school. However, without being taught students have a limited number of tools to manage all of the academic demands placed on them to keep up with their workload. In turn, without strong study habits, students may fall behind, feel overwhelmed, and lose motivation in the classroom. But there is good news: effective studying is not about putting in longer hours but rather learning how to build a solid routine, apply strategies to problem solving and working smarter. By doing this students can improve academic performance, reduce stress, and feel more in control of their learning. Whether your child is in middle school, high school, or preparing for college, now is the perfect time to help them develop good study habits that support long-term academic success.
Why Study Habits Matter
Strong study habits help students:
- Retain information more effectively
- Improve test performance and classroom participation
- Strengthen time management and planning skills
- Reduce anxiety in academics
- Build confidence and independence
Learning how to study is a skill just like any other and the earlier it’s developed, the more naturally it becomes part of everyday life.
- Create a Dedicated Study Space
A consistent, clutter-free study environment helps the brain shift into “focus mode.” Choose a quiet, well-lit spot that’s free from distractions like TV or noisy siblings. Keep necessary supplies nearby, this includes pens, paper, textbooks, and chargers, so study time isn’t wasted tracking things down. Encourage your child to personalize their study space in a way that feels calming and productive.
- Use a Study Schedule and Stick to It
Setting aside short (e.g., 30 to 45 minute) but consistent daily study time establishes a rhythm that supports long-term retention. Use planners, digital calendars, or apps to block out study sessions and homework tasks. This builds time management and helps avoid the dreaded “night-before-the-test” scramble.
- Take Regular Breaks to Recharge
While it might seem counterintuitive, breaks actually boost productivity. The brain needs downtime to process and store new information. Encourage students to take regular breaks during study sessions. A 5–10 minute break every 25–30 minutes can really help with long-term work productivity! Stretching, walking, or grabbing a healthy snack during breaks can help refresh energy and maintain focus throughout the session.
- Use Active Learning Techniques
Active learning techniques are far more effective than passive rereading. These might include:
- Mind mapping: Drawing diagrams that connect concepts visually
- Teaching the material aloud to someone else
- Creating flashcards or self-quizzes
- Summarizing chapters in their own words
These strategies help students engage more deeply with content and retain information better over time.
- Practice Testing and Application
One of the best ways to prepare for exams is by taking practice tests. Encourage students to use questions from textbooks, study guides, or past assignments to create mini-assessments. These questions can help to highlight any gaps in understanding, show the student areas for relearning and reduce anxiety. This helps them prepare actively and with confidence.
- Stay Organized and Limit Distractions
Disorganization and distractions, like misplaced notes or too much social media, can derail even the most motivated student. Help your child stay organized by:
- Keeping folders and notebooks for each subject
- Using color-coded labels or tabs
- Turning off notifications during study time
Apps like Forest or Focus Keeper can help students stay focused by limiting screen time and promoting mindfulness.
- Join or Create Study Groups
Study groups offer accountability and connection. They give students a chance to ask questions, explain concepts to others, and gain different perspectives on the material. Whether in-person or virtual, small, well-structured groups can transform studying from a solitary task into a supportive, collaborative experience.
- Prioritize Balance and Well-being
Strong academic performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of mental health. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, eating well, moving their body, and taking time to unwind. These habits are just as important as any study strategy. Remind them that academic success is a journey, and learning how to manage both school and self-care is part of becoming a confident, capable student.
When to Seek Extra Support
If your child continues to struggle despite their best efforts, is missing deadlines, feeling overwhelmed, or falling behind, it may be time to bring in extra help. At Sasco River Center, our executive function coaches and educational specialists work with students to build personalized systems for planning, studying, and organizing their academic life. We provide practical tools and guidance that improve productive study routines that support long-term motivation and sustainable success long after graduation from our services!
Helping Students Thrive
Whether your child is learning how to study for the first time or needs help fine-tuning their habits, our team at Sasco River Center is here to help. We offer academic coaching and executive function support in-person at our offices in Darien and Wilton, Connecticut, as well as via telehealth to accommodate families who live far away or have a busy schedule. Call us at (203) 202-7654 or email hello@sascoriver.com to learn more or schedule a consultation. Together, we can help your student feel more focused, less stressed, and fully equipped to tackle the school year with confidence.