According to a study by Joan Carver, an educational researcher and expert on helping students improve their middle school study skills, the best study plans include seven characteristics. Good study plans are:
  1. Simple. Good plans are uncomplicated.
  2. Specific. Good plans state what you're going to do and where, when, and how you're going to do it.
  3. Positive. Good plans state what you're going to do (not what you're going to stop doing).
  4. Repetitive. Good plans include something you can repeat frequently.
  5. Independent. Good plans are based on you doing the work; they don’t depend on anyone else.
  6. Immediate. Good plans can be started right away, usually within twenty-four hours.
  7. Committed. Good plans include I will statements.
Encourage your child to write down the study plan. Why? Because when people write down a plan, they are more likely to do it.

How About an Example?

Here's an example of a study plan for completing an assigned reading:
I will read at least ten pages of Animal Farm between four and five every afternoon until I’ve finished the book. I'll read in my bedroom where it's quiet and there are no distractions. After I finish every page, I'll pause to ask myself what happened in the story. I'll answer out loud to help me remember.

Now It's Your Turn

With your child, create a study plan for an assignment.
  • Write down the plan.
  • Make sure it includes Joan Carver's seven steps.
  • Check it over.
Don't underestimate the power of making plans. Remember: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.