How To Make Studying Fun For Your Student At Home

Your test is tomorrow, and you suddenly realize you’ve been rereading the same sentence over and over, still not understanding it. You’ve been zoning out, and now you need to focus. Luckily, we have some tricks to make studying more engaging—and dare we say it, even fun! Here are some proven methods to help you or your child stay on task when focus is slipping, or exhaustion starts to set in—no matter your age or grade level:

Find peace in music.

This method is my ultimate go-to. Studies show that music can engage the parts of your brain that are involved with paying attention, and it can even help your brain organize incoming information. Plus, it can drown out distractions, whether you have noisy neighbors or talkative siblings.

People who like to study with music often find success with classical, ambient, instrumental, or electronic genres. I personally love to listen to “Liz on Top of the World” from the Pride & Prejudice soundtrack or a playlist of movie scores. You can also discover study-friendly playlists online, like the K12-powered online schools YouTube playlist.

Make it a game.

Mary Poppins famously said, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun—and snap—the job’s a game!” The same principle applies to studying.

Are you memorizing important dates or facts? Turn your study session into a trivia night with classmates or a parent by writing questions on notecards and racing to answer them for points. Bring the enthusiasm of a real trivia game—cheer when someone gets an answer right and offer hints when needed. Studies show that students prefer receiving hints and testing their knowledge over re-studying materials, so incorporating hints into educational games can make studying more enjoyable!

Study with friends.

Joining a study group or working with a friend is an excellent way to stay accountable while working towards a shared goal: acing the upcoming test. Group study sessions also allow you to explain concepts in your own words, which reinforces your understanding because you must know the material well enough to teach it.

Plus, studying with friends not only deepens your insights into the subject but also adds an element of social interaction, making the process more engaging and fun.

Use fun stationery or organizational tools.

If you thrive on organization or simply enjoy using new stationery, incorporating some fun tools into your study routine could boost your motivation. Consider getting a to-do list notepad to help keep track of tasks, along with decorative notepads and sticky pads and colorful pens and highlighters that you enjoy using. Personally, I’m a big fan of using sticky notes to remind me of important information, often placing reminders on my computer screen to ensure I see them every day.

Make up some mnemonics.

The term “mnemonics” might sound unfamiliar, but you’ve probably used a few to remember important information. A mnemonic is a memory tool that can take the form of a rhyme, acronym, song, or segment of information. For example, you might know the rhyme, “i before e except after c” to aid in spelling or “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” to recall the order of operations in math. Creating a mnemonic that is both silly and engaging can make it easier to remember tricky information.

Use a whiteboard.

Remember how exciting it was in elementary school to write on the classroom chalkboard or whiteboard? It turns out that using a whiteboard—referred to as whiteboarding—can actually boost your memory and understanding. Adding a small whiteboard or chalkboard to your study session is the perfect way to jot down important concepts and visualize ideas.

Set the scene.

Sometimes we need a change of scenery to boost our spirits, so pack up your studying materials and head to an ideal location. Whether you find solace in a quirky coffee shop, a tranquil park, or your local library, find a place where you can focus comfortably. When I attended college in San Diego, you could often find me (and others) on famous Sunset Cliffs overlooking the ocean, perched on a rock with a laptop and notepad. The calming ocean sounds helped me focus and feel at peace even when I was anxious about my schoolwork.

Watch the movie version.

Take a break from textbooks and notes by bringing your coursework to life with a movie or documentary. Whether it’s the film adaptation of a novel or a historical drama, visualizing through film can deepen your understanding of important events and literary themes. For example, watching a movie adaptation of a book can offer a vivid portrayal of the story and characters, while historical dramas can illuminate significant events and the experiences of historical figures. Our series on great movies for teaching U.S. history can help you discover films and documentaries inspired by historical events that can enhance your learning experience.

Earn a reward.

Sometimes, a little reward is all you need to stay motivated. Make a deal with yourself or your child for a small treat upon completing a study session or acing a practice test. Whether it’s a scoop of ice cream, ten minutes of scrolling on TikTok, or a walk outside, having a reward to look forward to can make studying more enjoyable and give you the boost of motivation you need to persevere.

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Every learner is different, so it’s important to find what works for you or your child to stay motivated and focused on studying. Keep in mind, needs change throughout the school year, so mixing up your approach can help keep your mind sharp and engaged. And if you or your child needs a little extra help, don’t be afraid to seek a professional tutor.

Online tutoring services such as Stride Tutoring can help boost understanding and confidence when facing a challenging subject. With Stride Tutoring, K-12 students get one-to-one instruction with state-certified teachers designed to meet their specific needs. Offering the same flexibility and personalization of many online school programs, such as K12-powered online schools, Stride Tutoring is accessible anywhere, including the comfort of your own home.

To learn more about K12-powered online schools, go to K12.com.