Be a Successful Student with these 9 Habits

Looking back, I don’t think I realized the habits I started and developed as a young student (elementary, high school and college) would also be the habits and ways I complete my professional work.  Since we develop these habits or ways of completing tasks early in life, it’s important that as parents we teach our children the best habits to be successful when they are young.

9 Habits of Successful Students

They have a set study time every day.

Successful students know they need to study every day and they have set times to study.  They may do it right after school or they may study right after dinner, but once they start studying they don’t waste time playing around.  They get serious and get their studying done.

They use a planner or a calendar.

Successful students use a planner or a calendar to keep track of all their important assignments and upcoming reports.  Successful students know if they don’t write down their assignments they are easily forgotten.   Forgotten and incomplete assignments lead to lower grades and wasted time doing make-up work.

They come prepared for class every day.

Successful students do their assignments for class.  They read the assigned pages, they study for quizzes and tests and they do the written assignments.  Successful students know they cannot do well in class if they do not prepare before class.

They also prepare the night before for school.  They have their lunch ready, they neatly back their backpack and they layout clothes to wear to wear for the next day.

They go to bed early every night.

Successful students go to bed early every night so they get enough rest to be alert and thoughtful during school.  Tired and sleepy students do not do well in school.  Tired students will have difficulty concentrating during class.  Sleepy students may miss important details from the lesson.

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They get up early in the morning.

Successful students do not stay in bed till the last second and then scramble to get ready.  Rushing before school causes the student and parents too much stress (believe me I know).   Students should be up early enough (30-45 minutes maybe longer if you have a teen daughter) to have enough time to get ready without rushing.

They eat a healthy breakfast.

Successful students know that eating breakfast gives them a great start to the day.  Breakfast gives them energy to get the day started right.  Don’t forget to include some protein in your breakfast so you don’t get hungry before lunch time.

They have a backpack with all the materials they need for the day.

Successful students keep their backpacks neat and organized so they can find all their books and assignments.  They don’t just throw papers in their backpack and let the papers get crumpled and ripped.  They use folders and organizers to keep everything neatly together and in their place.

They don’t wait till the last minute to complete assignments and reports.

Successful students recognize some assignments take more time and need to be broken down into smaller pieces to be done correctly.  They complete these assignments step-by-step (see also step #2 – They use a planner or calendar).   They use their planner to complete the process in steps.

They are not distracted by electronic devices.

Successful students know that electronic devices should not be included in study time.   They understand that electronics and video games are distracting.  They know when it’s work time and when it’s play time.  They don’t let electronic devices distract them from the project that needs to be completed.

Bonus habit: They read for the love of reading.

Successful students read as much as they can.  They read for the enjoyment of reading and to increase their knowledge.  The more they read, the more they will know which will improve their reading comprehension.

These 10 habits will help your child be more successful (at any age).  These are great habits for mom and dad to model for their children.

Your turn…

What habit do you think helps your child be a successful student?

Until next time be smart,

Rachel