my son doesnt understand the importance of studying?

Question

Although he is only 6, he has spelling words in first grade to study. He doesn't like to sit and study. It becomes a big battle. I'm thinking maybe he will get over it once he sees he can actually do this. Is this just rebellion? Should I be worried? I hate think of taking things away if he doesn't do well because he is only 6 and I don't want this to become a result of him not liking school. Any advice?

Answer 1

No child understands the importance of studying, it is simply something that must be done. Children live in the present(especially at 6). He isn't going to be able to connect studying with good grades, to good report card, and especially to good career.

A 6 year olds attention span is very limited. Study sessions should be short and to the point. I would break down the sessions into three times a day, no more than 10 min a piece. One session in the morning before school, one after school(before dinner) and one before bed.

Sit him down and ask him each word, say it first; spell it yourself(for him to hear); spell it letter by letter, having him repeat each letter after you; and then have him spell it. If he gets stuck help him and have him try again. Go through the list the words he spells no problem get put to the side for next time, the ones he missed go back in the pile and you go through again.

Be sure you encourage him, when he does spell the word tell him you are real proud of him, make a little fuss. Always make school work positive.

Answer 2

As a first grade teacher I know how important it is not to push a child to a frustration point. We have spelling tests each week and homework but they should not be spending longer than 20 min each day working. I would try and assist him each day with the words, but do not push them because they will shut down. Another idea is to see if you can find a way to make it more fun to study the words, like making up a game or something to help them learn the words. If you need any ideas let me know.

The more important thing is to read with your child each night, whether its you reading or them reading parts, because that is how they start picking up more and more word knowledge. Although again do not push to a frustration point.
Good luck and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Answer 3

I don't have much advice, as I have a son going into 6th grade and doing homework since kindergarten has been worse than going to the dentist to get a cavity filled.


I have always heard "he's a boy". Though that isn't much consolation.

He absolutely hates school except for lunch and recess.

But I explain that if he doesn't do well he will have to repeat the grade next year. I have also had to tell him school is his responsibility just like his Dad's responsibility is going to work. If he doesn't do what he needs to do for school, he won't get the fun stuff either. For example, no computer, games or TV until his homework is complete.



GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 4

Make a game out of studying. Put the words on index cards for flashcards. Make up a song by spelling out the words. Tape up index cards with words all over the house (ex: "light" beside light switch). There are lots of ways to make spelling fun.

I don't think he is rebelling. Many boys--especially at that age--are not interested in spelling.

I don't think it is anything to worry about. Just try to make learning a fun and enjoyable activity and learn with him.

Answer 5

Change the diet - change the behavior. NO JUNK FOODS AND NO SWEETS.
First graders are way too young to understand a lot of things including the importance of studying. Give him some rewards for completing his homework, work with him and help him. Kids will do more homework of the parents become involved showing how much they really care. You just can't ignore a child and expect them to be excited about studying and homework.

Answer 6

I'm only a teen myself but i ahve a bro thats 8, and he NeVER does his homework, sit down and have a talk with him, and let him know your expectations and why he should study. At his age, you also might want to add a few rewards for studying, and believe me, we kids dont actually like being spoiled, sure we like getting stuff and getting pampered, but we actually like i most when our parents sitdown and spend time with us. Kids will understnad but you have to try to converse with us. Good Luck

Answer 7

Make him earn his spelling words - be firm now, it only gets worse later! Let him have a snack and play for one hour, then do his chore and homework, with a break for dinner.
1] monday - make him write all words three times each - then he can watch his show or play with his computer
2] tues - oral spelling test - figure out what percentage earns better desert
3] wed - written quiz - percentage determines bedtime!
4] thurs - write and spell aloud, tomorrow is the test!
Teach priorities:
[ our house ]
1] GOD
2] family [ including chores, and behavior ]
3] job or school, including homework
4] friends and recreation [ incl TV and computers ]

Answer 8

I didn't either until i had one teacher who flunked me first quiz. she said study to succeed. i was like w/e, but the words stuck. i ended up w/an A in the class. eventually studying will come!

Answer 9

Talk to him.Ask him if he wants to be able to buy all that he wants someday! Get him excited for the future,but always include that if he goes to school with good grades, and goes to college (explain to him whats college) he'll make enough money to do all he wants and buy all he wants! Also stimulate him by giving him $5-10 for every A, so he'll try harder!
Good Luck with your kiddo! =)