Kickstarting the School Year: Goal Setting and Study Habits for Success

As the new school year approaches, parents and students alike are preparing for a fresh start. The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to establish clear goals and build effective study habits that will set the foundation for academic success. At Peak Learning Solutions, we believe that with the right strategies and support, students can achieve their full potential. Here are some tips on how to set goals with your student and build lasting study habits.

Setting SMART Goals

One of the most effective ways to set goals is by using the SMART criteria. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s how to guide your student in setting SMART goals:

• Specific: Help your student set clear and specific goals. Instead of saying, “I want to do better in math,” a specific goal would be, “I want to improve my math grade from a C to a B.”
• Measurable: Ensure that the goals are measurable. This means identifying how progress will be tracked. For example, “I will complete all my math homework and score at least 80% on my weekly quizzes.”
• Achievable: Goals should be realistic and attainable. Encourage your student to set challenging yet achievable goals based on their current abilities.
• Relevant: Goals should be relevant to your student’s long-term objectives. For instance, improving math skills may be relevant if they plan to pursue a career in science or engineering.
• Time-bound: Set a timeframe for achieving the goals. A time-bound goal could be, “I will achieve a B in math by the end of the semester.”

Building Effective Study Habits

Once goals are set, it’s essential to develop study habits that support achieving those goals. Here are some strategies to help your student build effective study habits:

1. Create a Study Schedule: Help your student develop a consistent study schedule. Determine the best times for studying each day and stick to that routine. Consistency is key to building strong study habits.

2. Designate a Study Space: Create a dedicated study space that is free from distractions. A quiet, organized, and comfortable environment can significantly enhance focus and productivity.

3. Use a Planner: Encourage your student to use a planner to keep track of assignments, tests, and important deadlines. A planner helps students manage their time effectively and stay organized.

4. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Teach your student to break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This approach can prevent feeling overwhelmed and make studying more manageable.

5. Use Active Learning Techniques: Promote active learning techniques such as summarizing information, creating flashcards, and teaching the material to someone else. Active learning helps reinforce understanding and retention.

6. Take Regular Breaks: Encourage your student to take regular breaks during study sessions. Short breaks can help maintain focus and prevent burnout.

7. Set Up a Reward System: Motivate your student by setting up a reward system. Celebrate achievements and progress with small rewards, such as extra screen time, a favorite snack, or a fun outing.

8. Encourage Healthy Habits: A healthy lifestyle supports academic success. Ensure your student gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and engages in physical activity.

9. Seek Support When Needed: If your student struggles with certain subjects, consider seeking additional support. At Peak Learning Solutions, we offer personalized coaching tailored to your child's needs. Our certified teachers specialize in enhancing executive functioning skills, study habits, and metacognitive strategies.

Partner with Peak Learning Solutions for Success

For more information on how our programs can support your student in setting goals and building effective study habits, connect with us at 720-737-9221 or visit www.peaklearningsolutions.com. We're your trusted academic coaching resource, conveniently located in Greenwood Village, Colorado. We proudly serve students from neighboring schools, including Cherry Creek High School, George Washington High School, Our Lady of Loreto, Littleton High School, Eagle Academy High School, Arapahoe High School, and Thomas Jefferson High School.

Let’s work together to ensure your student’s success this school year and beyond.