Every parent wants their child to thrive in school, but success in the classroom goes beyond just good grades. It's about nurturing habits and attitudes that help children get through challenges, stay motivated, and develop a love for learning.
Parents might wonder how they can encourage their child to become a great student!
Well, you’ll need to go beyond the typical advice of studying hard and doing homework on time.
In this guide, we'll explore practical tips on how to be a great student that will motivate your child and help them enjoy the learning process.
Strategies, Tips And Tricks On How To Be A Great Student
With the right strategies, students can excel not only in the classroom but in life. Let’s explore some fresh, out-of-the-box tips and tricks that can set your child up for long-term success—both academically and personally.
- C-R-E-M-I: The Ideal Student Strategy
C - Creativity: Let your child use their own unique strategies and imagination while studying. They should not be afraid to come up with new ideas or study in a way that works best for them.
R - Reflection: Let them take time to look back on their work, analyze their performance, and think about how they can improve.
E - Efficiency: Help your kid stay organized by planning their time, workspace, and study materials in a way that helps them get the most out of their efforts. Prioritize what matters the most.
M - Motivation: Encourage children to keep their goals in mind and stay motivated by setting short-term and long-term targets. Break big tasks into smaller steps and reward them as they progress.
I - Initiative: Motivate them to be an active participant in their own learning. Advise them to not just follow along, instead urge them to take responsibility, try new things, and push themselves beyond their comfort zone.
Also Read: Tips to Study Smarter for Achieving Academic Success
- Believe Your Child is the Best Expert
Whenever your child feels stuck or unsure, make them feel as though they are an expert facing a big challenge.
Experts may not always have all the answers right away, but they’re great at solving complex problems because they trust their abilities.
Many students worry they aren’t smart enough to do well in school or fear they’re just “bad students.” Negative thoughts like this can hold them back.
But parents can help their child learn to manage these feelings and stop being so hard on themselves by practicing some self-care exercises like breathing techniques, visualization, or mindfulness to fight anxiety and self-doubt.
Here’s a trick on how to be a great student:
Try the “fake it till you make it” approach. Even if they don’t feel confident, make them act like they are. This trick can boost their actual confidence over time.
- Engaging All Their Senses
The more senses they use when learning, the more their brain absorbs the information.
Encourage them to engage their sight, hearing, and touch as much as possible while studying.
For example, they can speak aloud while reading or write things down by hand.
Even moving around while thinking or studying helps activate different parts of their brain, which makes it easier to remember the material.
Here’s a trick on how to be a great student:
Make learning interactive. For instance, if they’re studying biology, help them draw diagrams or use clay to create models. Engaging with materials physically helps them cement their brain.
- Find What Interests Them
It’s tough for your child to focus when they’re bored, but learning is a lot easier when they’re interested in what they are studying.
Make them envision the results they want to achieve, and help them focus on finding something interesting about each task, even the ones that feel boring, like writing papers or taking tests.
Make your child find the “gold” in every activity and maintain their focus on how it helps them grow. When the child does well, parents feel proud and satisfied.
Here’s a pro tip on how to be a great student:
Connect boring subjects to their personal interests. If they love sports, make them think about how math is used in keeping score, measuring distances, or tracking stats.
- Make Your Child Active in Their Studies
Learning is more rewarding when your child is actively involved.
Instead of just passively listening or reading, make them ask themselves questions, explore the material from different angles, and try to find connections between topics.
The tutors at MentorMatch tailor lessons to fit your child's unique learning style, helping them grow into confident, independent learners.
Being prepared makes it easier to stay on track and study with confidence.
When they’re ready to learn, even small tasks will feel more interesting and enjoyable.
Here’s a trick on how to be a great student: Use the “Feynman Technique.” Make them teach the topic they’re studying to someone else in the simplest terms possible. If they can explain it clearly, they’ve mastered it!
- Let Them Discover Their Learning Style
Everyone has a unique way of learning, so don’t let your child hesitate to experiment and find out what works best for them.
Some children learn better by working with others, so joining study groups or discussing material with friends might be helpful.
Others prefer solo study time, so lend a helping hand to your child to make their own schedule to study independently.
Their brain is flexible, and can adapt different learning methods to suit their needs.
Here’s a pro tip on how to be a great student:
Let your child experiment with different study methods to find what works for them. It could be audio learning, group discussions, or visual aids like charts.
- Make Your Child Think About Their Career Early
From their first day at school, make them remember that learning isn’t just about passing exams, it’s about preparing for their future career.
Employers want to hire people who have a range of skills, not just good grades.
While they are in school, inspire them to develop soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and time management.
Encourage them to take advantage of group projects, internships, and other opportunities like a personalized tutoring from MentorMatch to practice these abilities.
Example: If your child enjoys writing, motivate them to start contributing to the school newspaper or blog. These experiences can help them build a portfolio for future jobs.
- Track Your Progress
Inspire your child to keep a journal or notes about the skills they’re building and the steps they’re taking to improve.
Encourage them to define their personal goals—whether it’s getting a certain grade or learning how to ask more questions in class.
By keeping track of their progress, parents will see how far their child has come and it will build more confidence in your child’s abilities.
Self-reflection and personal growth are important for both their studies and life in general.
Here’s a pro tip on how to be a great student:
Push them to keep a “success journal” where they can note down every achievement, no matter how small. This will motivate them when they feel like they’re not making progress.
- Use Information Wisely
It’s not just about memorizing facts—what matters is how your child uses the information they’ve learned.
During exams or assignments, it’s important for your child to understand the material, make connections, and create thoughtful arguments rather than simply repeating what’s in the textbook.
Help them focus on selecting key information and linking ideas together in a way that makes sense and supports their point of view.
Example: When learning about climate change in science, try to connect it to current events. How do the facts they’re learning apply to today’s world?
- Develop Emotional Intelligence
Academic success is important, but emotional intelligence (EQ) is equally crucial.
Children who can understand and manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and demonstrate empathy are often better equipped to get through school, friendships, and life challenges.
How to implement emotional intelligence?
- Encourage your child to talk about their feelings regularly. Create a safe space for them to express when they feel sad, frustrated, or excited.
- Teach conflict resolution skills. Role-playing can be an effective way to teach kids how to handle disagreements with peers.
- Model emotional regulation. Show your child how to stay calm in stressful situations and talk them through problem-solving techniques.
Also, offer strategies like deep breathing, positive affirmations, or visualization techniques.
Learn How to Relax
Studying won’t be effective if parents push their child too hard. Don’t you think so?
Here are some common mistakes they must avoid:
- Continuing to study even when they’re too tired to focus
- Listening or reading passively without really engaging
- Letting their mind wander when they should be concentrating
- Memorizing information without truly understanding it
- Hesitating to ask for help when your child needs it
- Failing to connect knowledge across different subjects
- Not relating what they’re learning to real-world examples
For your child to study effectively, ensure they avoid these pitfalls. Also Read: Unlocking the 7 Secret Methods: A Path to Effective Study
So encourage them to keep learning, stay curious, and trust their own abilities!
Hear from real parents who’ve witnessed their child excel in their academics with the expert help from MentorMatch’s tutors, read our success stories here!
Conclusion
Helping your child become a great student isn’t just about making sure they get A’s on their report card.
It’s about building habits, attitudes, and skills that will serve them throughout life.
Remember, learning should be a joyful journey, not a pressure-filled race.
Which is why getting your child one-on-one personalized tutoring from MentorMatch can help them grow at their own pace, build confidence, and receive the tailored support they need to overcome challenges while truly enjoying the learning process.
With these out-of-the-box tips for your child, and by focusing on how to be a great student, parents can set their child up for lifelong success both in and out of the classroom.
