How should younger students study?

First, a younger student should want to be doing this.  Parents always seem to know what’s best for their kids, but chances are an unwilling student will begin harboring resentment.

But for motivated students, there are a lot of good habits to start forming. I think it’s not too early to start looking at vocab words.  To be honest, many of the “obscure” words I learned when studying are actually used quite frequently by the media, my professors, and even my peers.  So start with a manageable list, and more importantly use the words you’ve learned.  A middle schooler probably shouldn’t be poring over lists unless he finds them fascinating.

I think another excellent habit to form is to read.  Reading early on helps with reading comprehension, reading speed, a good attitude towards reading, a respect for grammar, a respect for proper writing, a respect for style…do you want me to keep going?  Plus, there are so many good children’s and young adult books out there (so good in fact, that I still read them, much to the chagrin of my mother).  Any Newberry book and all those ALA award winners are good places to start.  I still get a tear in my eye thinking about “Where the Red Fern Grows.”