By: Dr. Raymond J.
Huntington,
Co-Founder of Huntington
Learning Center

After several weeks of summer vacation, your child should be heading back to school rested and determined to make the most of his or her potential. For many students, back-to-school means new friends, extra-curricular activities or sports, and what may seem like an overwhelming amount of homework after months of summer vacation. Homework does not have to be a nightly battle if students can make the best use of their time.

Good study habits and time-management skills are two of the most important abilities a student can have for school success. According to Maggie Lage, Executive Director of the Huntington Learning Center of Newark, one of the biggest problems that students have is learning to study efficiently.

“By using an organized, active approach, students can make the most effective use of their study time,” Lage said.

Lage suggests the following study tips for busy students:
1. First, establish a quiet, comfortable, neat study area in your home. Eliminate distractions – one hour of concentrated studying can be the same as three hours of studying amidst noise or interruptions. Schedule a regular study time each night and stick to it – it’s important to make studying a priority above other activities.
2. Being organized is also vital in order to work efficiently. Make sure you’re prepared to study with all the supplies and books that you may need. Write down assignments in an agenda book or notebook to avoid forgetting due dates or putting off long-term projects until the last minute. Learn how to preview the material, read for details and take good notes. Finally, keep on top of reading – if you allocate one hour for studying and complete your homework in 45 minutes, use the extra 15 minutes to read ahead.
3. Parents can use these tips to work with younger children on making schoolwork a priority, establishing a time and a place for studying, and teaching them to work independently. For older students, building strong study habits can help them to do their best in school and will carry through for academic success in college as well.

If, as the marking period progresses, a student is having difficulty with tests and getting poor grades, it may be more than just a study skill problem. Lage warns parents not to fall for the new backpack syndrome with the start of the school year. The new backpack may be full of new school supplies, but the study habits are still the same from last year. If a student was struggling last year, it is likely that the student will continue to struggle in the new school year if study skills were not strengthened over the summer. Lage comments that parents often tell her they should have called Huntington sooner instead of hoping for improvement in the next marking period.

Help your student prepare for the future by developing effectives study skills. For more information, call Maggie Lage in Newark at 302-737-1150 or Harriet Weiss in Wilmington at 302-478-4242.

About Huntington Learning Center
Founded in 1977, Huntington Learning Center has just celebrated its 32nd anniversary as the nation’s longest-running supplemental education services provider. Huntington provides instruction in reading, writing, spelling, phonics, mathematics and study skills as well as SAT and ACT preparation to tens of thousands of students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Huntington prides itself on its unparalleled programs which specialize in helping parents, caregivers and educators identify the gaps in skills and knowledge that can limit learning potential, and in providing a personalized program of instruction to enable children to excel.

Testimonial:
“To the exceptional staff at Huntington, THANK YOU hardly seems like enough for all you have done for Ernest.  Not only did his grades improve dramatically, but his self confidence sky rocketed. He is actually looking forward to starting 10th grade in the fall. We are so thankful for your honesty, your input, and your kindness. You have made a difference, and we are forever grateful. May God bless each of you as you continue to touch the lives of many other young people.” With our most sincere gratitude,
~ Ed & Rachel A.

Maggie Lage is the Executive Director of the Huntington Learning Center in Newark, 34 Liberty Plaza, Kirkwood Highway, Newark, DE  19711.
For more information or to schedule a consultation at the Newark location call 302-737-1050 or visit www.newark.huntington learning.com.

Harriet Weiss is the Executive Director of the Huntington Learning Center in Wilmington, which is moving to 3615 Silverside Road, Talleyville Shopping Center, Wilmington, DE  19810. For more information or to schedule a consultation at the Wilmington location, call 302-478-4242 or visit www.wilmington.huntingtonlearning.com.

Homework Help Presentation
To be given at both the Newark and Wilmington Centers on September 23rd at 7:00 pm