Objective: Children will understand that different strategies are needed for different school subjects, and will know effective approaches for math , science , and social studies . Please note that the SQ3R method from Strategy #6 is always applicable in any subject.

Math
Children must be familiar with formulas, concepts, and processes. They need to copy down the problems their teacher writes on the board and learn how they are solved. They should keep all past quizzes and tests to study from. Using the following three strategies will help students to improve mathematical abilities

Discuss with children the importance of memorizing mathematical problems, formulas, and solutions.

Suggest to children that they need to be able to identify patterns. Mathematicians have developed simple patterns in solving mathematical problems in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Learning these basic patterns builds a strong foundation for algebra and calculus.

Reinforce the necessity of practice! A boxer shadow boxes; a basketball player takes practice shots; a singer sings in the bathroom. Everyone who wants to excel in something needs to remember that "practice makes perfect."

Science
Each science requires a different strategy. In biology, children need to be familiar with biological terms and master the classifications of living things. Chemistry and physics require that children know the procedures and formulas.

Discuss with children the importance of keeping up with their daily work in science class and reviewing their notes several times a week.

Recommend that students keep a notebook of all the important formulas and principles.

Share the following story with your child:

Thomas F. Ewald, a former college instructor who majored in mathematics and minored in chemistry at Michigan State University before earning his bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees at Oakland University, (MI), has this suggestion:

"Learning math and science can all be aided tremendously by studying patterns. In math and chemistry, a pattern is usually represented by a formula. Although the student may memorize the formula, this does not guarantee that he or she understands it. That will come with using it! Learning the formula for finding the area of a rectangle, for example (area=length x width), will be helped by 'plugging in' variables and following the problem through to completion. 'If the rectangle measures three feet by four feet, how much area is represented?' A = l x w, so A = 3 x 4 = 12. This is a very simple example, of course. The idea is to use the formula several times until you feel confident with it. Does it work? Well, I earned A's and A+'s in college work!"

Social Studies
In studying social studies, kids are required to deal with names, dates, events, and ideas. Gathering data involves the "five W's and the H": who, what, when, where, why, and how .

Suggest that your child use visual aids such as maps, charts, graphs, and diagrams to help them remember information.

Remind children they should not hesitate to refer to other textbooks for an interpretation of an idea or clarification of a point of view.

Although different strategies are used, the SQ3R method, which was introduced in Strategy #6, is the best method for students to familiarize themselves with any textbook chapter.