Young learners get a sense of order and independence from consistent patterns. That’s why it’s necessary to develop suitable schedules to help learn new concepts and retain information. Above that, primary students are masters of play, meaning they appreciate innovative learning schedules that capture their attention and allow them to be kids.
Parents and teachers must ensure primary learners stay on top of things during school breaks and sessions. Of course, you want kids to have fun, but certain moments are perfect for sitting down and doing schoolwork. Besides, learners about to sit for their Primary School Leaving Examination in Singapore need ample time and the best schedule to grasp complex topics.
So, here’s what you must do when creating study programs for kids of primary school age in Singapore.
Tips for Developing a Successful Study Plan
The information below can help create unique study methods and schedules for primary learners to make them well-rounded students:
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Create a Comprehensive Subjects List
Primary learners must cover specific subjects before advancing to the secondary level in Singapore. Listing these courses and subjects is the first step, since leaving out important topics is impossible.
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Identify Challenging Student Areas and Prioritise Them
Students tackle maths concepts, written and science assignments, and much more. After determining their weak subject areas, prioritise and work on them to promote improvement. While upper primary students know these areas and can help set up schedules, primary school learners need more help. Specific study durations for every subject allow young learners to work on and perfect their understanding of complex topics.
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Set Attainable Short and Long-Term Goals
When learners know what they are working towards, setting and managing their schedule becomes more effortless. Above that, you prevent time wastage since learners know what to do at specific times. Fortunately, setting goals for primary learners also encourages them to be responsible, making them independent students.
Homework falls under short-term goals, so you can leave ample time for revisions as a long-term commitment.
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Create Modifiable Routines
Developing a study schedule makes students productive. However, these plans must be practical and allow you to modify them as you go. Review the plan constantly and encourage young learners to help them stay on track and confident about handling tough topics.
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Set Up a Conducive Study Environment
Set the right ambience by providing a study area for primary learners. This helps them shift from play to work efficiently and encourages consistency, thus promoting concentration on their studies. Still, the best study atmosphere involves more than a chair and desk. It also involves providing relevant study materials for learning new information or understanding content already taught in class.
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Analyse Individual Learning Styles
Students have different learning styles, including visual, kinesthetic, auditory, and social learning. So, tailor the study plan to these styles for better focus and productivity. After understanding the best style for every student, teachers and parents find the best times and approaches to promote learning.
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Balance Out Activities
Learners of primary school age in Singapore must strike the perfect balance between study and play to help with concentration. According to CNLD, 9 to 10-year-olds have an attention span of 20 to 30 minutes. As such, the schedule cannot be purely academic. Include the following to make the study plan better:
- Study breaks
- Time to eat
- Time to socialise
Characteristics of Primary Learners: What You Must Know When Creating Study Schedules
A study plan for secondary school students differs from that of younger learners. This is because primary education focuses on reading and writing basics. Comparingly, secondary education introduces subjects like economics, social sciences, and physical science.
That said, here are the aspects of primary learners to help them understand how to work on their schedules:
- Young learners value rhythm, repetition, and rituals
- Play is a critical part of learning for young students
- Young students explore different aspects through wonder and curiosity
- Young learners value patterns in the world around them
- Younger children use complex ways of expression
Why Parents and Teachers Create Study Schedules
Better Time Management for Improved Learning
Study schedules allow students to monitor how they spend their time and what they spend it on. Ultimately, they set aside enough time in and outside class to handle assignments, study for tests, and review study materials.
Reduced Stress Due to Increased Productivity
Planning ensures learners split study content into bite-sized pieces. The plan outlines what they do daily, helping them learn and retain information effectively without pressure.
Eliminates Cramming and Improves Understanding
Going through study materials last minute promotes cramming. Unfortunately, this places unnecessary stress and pressure on young learners, which is avoidable by creating a failure-proof study schedule.
Balanced and Receptive Learning
Maintaining a balanced schedule makes young learners more receptive during study times. Long study hours discourage learners, make them less productive, and lead to burnout. However, balancing study and play helps students stay motivated.
Improved Preparedness
Study plans let students tackle past, current, and future study materials if time allows. So, if anything pops up, learners are more confident since there’s a high chance they have already studied for the test or assignment.
Improved Organisational Skills
A schedule clearly outlines the time and activity for each student every day. While this organisational skill is perfect in primary school, it also helps succeed in secondary school, college, and the workplace.
Better Academic Performance
Study plans get students prepared for tests in good time. Since they don’t rush to finish studying in impossible timelines, they retain information better and become more confident about their knowledge. Besides, school fees in Singapore for foreign students must reflect the services offered, thus the need to plan effectively.
Parents and teachers must create suitable study plans for young learners to utilise time and improve learning. Including them in the creation process is a plus, but that depends on the student’s age. Use these strategies to help young minds embrace studying and create the perfect balance between study and play. They’ll be well-rounded by secondary school, making their experience more enjoyable.