What Materials Will Be Needed?
Study cards can be made from a variety of materials. The cards should be heavy enough that they can be handled as cards and so they cannot be seen through. Here are common products used to make the cards:
- Construction paper
- Card stock (found at office supply stores)
- Ready-made index cards
Additional items needed:
- Ink pen or fine-line marker
- Zip-storage bag
- Textbook or study guides for information
Some commercial programs are also available to make study cards on the computer.
What Should Be Included on the Cards?
Often kids and parents are overwhelmed with where to begin to study for a test. To the child with ADHD, the class materials may be a sea of information with little rhyme or reason. The parent, obviously, has not been in the class. How can families decide which information to put on the cards?
- Vocabulary
- Review questions from the end of sections/chapters
- Questions from review study guides used in class
The question should be on one side of the card. The answer should be on the back.
How Should the Cards Be Used?
Older students who are more independent readers may use the cards to practice on their own and later check up with a parent. Younger students may need someone to practice with them from the start.
Cards can be placed in two stacks as they are answered. One stack is for cards that were easily answered. The other stack is for cards that will need additional review. In either case, all of the cards should be reviewed just prior to the actual test.
As with any learning, it is best to work with the cards a little each day over a period of time. Cramming with the cards is still cramming and will have less of an educational benefit.
What Subjects Can Be Studied with Cards?
- Science
- Social Studies / Geography / History / Civics
- Math
- Literature
- Vocabulary
- Driver’s education
- Health
- Physical Education
- Music
- Home Economics
- Spelling
- Foreign Language
Have a Schedule to Use the Cards
The effectiveness of study cards is increased by the opportunity to use them often in almost any setting (home, school, bus, car, doctor’s office waiting room). The cards can be used again and again. Study cards give immediate feedback on answers.
Some children respond to working with the timer for 5 -1o minutes each day. Others like to keep a chart. Two times through the cards equals one sticker on a chart.
Read more on study skills that work with kids who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Join others in a discussion on study skills for ADHD kids.
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