Consistency vs Intensity
We’ve all heard the saying, “Slow and Steady Wins the Race.” You may have read the familiar story of the Tortoise and the Hare to your children. We all know how the slow but determined tortoise defeats the fast but overconfident hare. The message and moral of this classic story also relate to learning.
Have you ever been excited about learning something new? Maybe you wanted to learn how to play a new sport or learn how to play the piano. Think back… how did it turn out? If you practiced shooting three-point shots all day to become the next Lebron James, your arms may have been so sore that you couldn’t shoot some hoops the next day. Your dreams of becoming a star basketball player might have suddenly changed. Attempting to play the piano and read sheet music for several hours may have left you feeling defeated. You may have even started to guess if learning how to play the piano was really for you.
These are stories we hear from children and adults alike. It is easy to get burnt out when you do too much at one time. The same applies to learning. We probably remember in our high school days cramming for a test the night before. This probably wasn’t the best idea, and it probably wasn’t very beneficial for long-term retention. Instead, students learn better and remember the material when they study small chunks of information over a period of time. This also allows for repeated exposure of material. Repetition of concepts is key to long-term retention.
Setting up a study schedule is a great way to build healthy learning habits. When children study a little bit every day, this can lead to long-term success. After a while, it becomes second nature, and a habit has been established.
This is true when learning any new skill or studying at home. Professional athletes practice a little bit every day. Language learners are more successful when they study consistently. Establishing a learning schedule will help with a homework schedule, extracurricular classes, etc. This will help your child find success.
So, when starting something new, remember consistency is key!
