At this age, it’s important to create a positive, supportive environment that encourages your child to take ownership of their learning while providing them with the tools to manage their time and responsibilities effectively. Here are some practical study tips to help your 10-year-old thrive:

1. Create a Consistent Routine

Children at this age thrive on routine, and having a predictable schedule can help them stay organized and focused. Establish a consistent time and place for studying each day—preferably somewhere quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions like TV or video games.

A study routine might look like this:

• 4:00 PM – Snack and unwind time
• 4:30 PM – Start homework or study
• 5:30 PM – Short break (stretch, grab water, or take a quick walk)
• 5:40 PM – Resume studying
• 6:00 PM – Finish up and prepare for the next day

Having a set schedule will help your child avoid procrastination and give them a sense of structure that can make schoolwork feel more manageable.

2. Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps

For a 10-year-old, big assignments can feel daunting. Whether it’s a long-term project or a particularly challenging subject, breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps can help reduce stress and increase their confidence.

Encourage your child to:

• Read through the instructions carefully: This helps them understand what’s expected and reduces confusion later on.
• Make a to-do list: Break assignments into smaller tasks, like “Write the introduction,” “Find three sources,” or “Draw a diagram.”
• Set mini-goals: Completing small tasks one at a time makes the work seem less overwhelming and provides a sense of accomplishment along the way.

This approach also helps build problem-solving skills and fosters a sense of ownership over their schoolwork.

3. Use Visual Aids and Tools

At 10, many children are visual learners, so using tools like charts, diagrams, or color-coded notes can be incredibly helpful in retaining information. Here are some ways to make studying more visual:

• Create colorful mind maps: Encourage your child to draw out key concepts and connect related ideas with different colors. This will help them organize information and remember it more easily.
• Use flashcards: Flashcards are great for vocabulary, math facts, or science terms. Your child can quiz themselves or use them with a family member for extra practice.
• Make a study wall: Dedicate a spot in the study area for a whiteboard or poster that highlights important facts, formulas, or reminders. Visual cues can keep the most important concepts front and center.

Using these visual aids not only makes learning more interactive but also helps them retain and recall information with ease.

4. Encourage Active Learning

At this stage, it’s important to move beyond just reading and writing. Encourage your child to actively engage with the material to reinforce learning. Here are some ways to turn passive study into active learning:

• Teach-back method: After reading or reviewing a concept, have your child “teach” it to you or even to a stuffed animal or sibling. Explaining something in their own words reinforces their understanding.
• Practice problems: Instead of just reading through math examples, encourage your child to solve similar problems on their own. The more practice they get, the more confident they’ll become.
• Interactive tools: Use educational apps, websites, or videos that make learning fun and interactive. Many educational platforms have games, quizzes, or simulations that can engage your child in subjects like math, science, and reading.

Active learning helps keep your child engaged and ensures they are truly absorbing the material, rather than just memorizing it temporarily.

5. Encourage Regular Breaks and Physical Activity

Sitting down to study for long periods can be difficult for young children, so it’s important to balance study time with regular breaks. Encourage your child to take short, frequent breaks—ideally every 20 to 30 minutes. These breaks should involve something active, like stretching, jumping jacks, or a short walk.

Research shows that physical movement helps improve focus and memory, so after a quick burst of activity, your child will return to their studies feeling refreshed and ready to focus. Plus, breaks give their brain time to process what they’ve learned and retain new information more effectively.

6. Praise Effort, Not Just Results

While it’s important to celebrate your child’s achievements, it’s just as essential to praise the effort they put into their work. Recognizing your child’s hard work and persistence helps develop a growth mindset, encouraging them to keep trying even when things get tough.

Instead of focusing solely on grades, highlight the effort they made in studying or overcoming a difficult problem. For example, say, “I’m really proud of how hard you worked on that project,” or “You kept trying even when that math problem was tricky.” This approach fosters resilience and self-confidence, teaching your child that success is about persistence, not perfection.

Final Thoughts: Build Good Habits Early

The study habits your 10-year-old develops now will lay the foundation for their future academic success. By helping them create a routine, break tasks into smaller steps, use visual aids, engage actively with the material, and balance study with physical activity, you’re setting them up for success—not just in school, but in life.

Most importantly, be patient and positive. It can take time for study habits to take root, but with your support and encouragement, your child will develop the skills they need to handle challenges confidently, both in and out of the classroom.