How do I teach good study habits to my child? (And what are good study habits, anyway?)

Effective study habits are often those that require a child to actively manipulate the information being learned: re-writing notes, creating flash cards, playing memory games or color-coding, for instance.

Good study habits are the foundation of future academic success, and the best way to teach study skills is to model them for your child. Become an active participant in your child's studying and incorporate your child's favorite activity into studying. And make it fun!

For example, make up a song or rap to help memorize state capitals or multiplication tables. Or, if your child likes basketball, set up a game by assigning different areas of the court to different questions relating to what he is studying. Assign point values and have him answer a different question each time he makes a shot. Use your imagination! You will not only help your child achieve success in the classroom but you'll strengthen your relationship through the time you spend together.