Study Skills

When should I choose this Area of Focus for my Gabadoo?

Study skills is an area that we can support through Gabadoo. This refers to the range of techniques, strategies, and habits that individuals have to use to enhance their learning and academic performance. These skills help students effectively acquire, organise, retain, and apply information during studying and examinations.

Below are a few reasons why parents would seek support for their child or teenager in relation to study skills:

Support for effective time management which involves planning and allocating time for studying, organising tasks, and setting priorities. It includes creating a study schedule, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and avoiding procrastination.
Develop their ability for good note-taking which involves actively listening or reading and summarising key information.
Adoption of strategies such as active reading which involves engaging with the text to enhance understanding and retention. This can include previewing the material, highlighting or underlining key points, asking questions, making connections, and summarising information.
Support of organisational skills relating to study so that they can keep their study materials, notes, and assignments in order. This includes maintaining a well-organised study space, using folders or binders to categorise and store materials, and keeping track of deadlines and important dates using planners or digital tools.
Exploration of various memory techniques, such as visualisation, repetition, and concept mapping, can help improve information retention and recall.
Practicing of test-taking skills which includes understanding exam formats, managing time during exams, answering questions strategically, and reviewing and checking answers before submitting.
Developing effective study habits and self-regulation skills is crucial for success. This includes setting realistic goals, maintaining focus and concentration, practicing self-discipline, seeking clarification when needed, and seeking support or additional resources when facing challenges.
Support around stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises, deep breathing, time for self-care, and balancing study with leisure activities, are important for maintaining mental well-being and optimizing academic performance.

Our team is experienced with supporting families with study skills through Gabadoo.

What information do I need to include in my Gabadoo?

As our Gabadoo Team have never met your family before and know nothing about your child, they can only provide strategies based on the information you provide so be very detailed!

After you have filled in the relevant information in your Gabadoo, go through this checklist to make sure you have included the following:

Family & Home Life:

Description of your family & the structure of your family including siblings, pets or any extended family who are living in your home.

The space available within the house for a study space.

Your daily routine including school hours, drop offs, time spent on hobbies and homework and free time in the evening and at the weekends so our team provide activities that are achievable for your routine.

Strengths and Interests:

What does your child or teenager like to do?

What games, toys, T.V. programs do they like?

What type of activities do they seek out?

What are some of their sensory preferences (e.g. music, visual details, movement etc.)?

Include what type of learner they are (if you know) e.g. visual, auditory etc.

What motivates them?

Do they respond to praise from adults?

What are the subjects they enjoy and dislike?

Additional Information:

What class is your child in at school?

What type of schooling do they receive? i.e. homeschooling, mainstream N.S., gaelscoil, preschool, ASD class, Special School.

Have you seen any professionals in the past in relation to their development? If so, what was the outcome?

Make sure to include:

What your child/teenager has tried before in terms of their study skills? What was effective? What wasn't effective? What are some of the barriers? Are there specific subjects that they find enjoyable or challenging? What is their current schedule around homework/studying? Do they have the option of studying somewhere different to the home environment?

What would you like to gain from this Gabadoo?

Next include images of the current study area, study plans (if completed) and any other relevant information.

Remember: The more information you give our team, the more individualised and relevant your plan will be.

What support will I receive for my child?

Your information will be reviewed by one of our Gabadoo Experts who is experienced in the area of study skills. They will detail individualised strategies, activities, next steps and helpful organisations and products that you can use at home to support your child or teenager.