This is a guide I use with my sons in our homeschooling to help them develop strong study habits and a disciplined approach to learning. While it may not be entirely unique, I hope you find it beneficial. I plan to update this post with a printable PDF so you can easily use it in your own home.

Learning

Learning is an essential aspect of life. As with anything important, it takes effort and patience—“Sweat, blood, and tears,” as our ancestors would say. Proverbs 18:15, “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” It is a work whose fruit you get to personally enjoy, like the corn we are planting, or the chickens we raise. To be successful, as with anything, you must master Reading Comprehension and Subject Vocabulary. The following will aid you in your study and in life.

Reading Well

Reading Well means reading to understand, not just passing your eyes over words. To read well requires several things:

1. Read Slowly—Carefully work your way through the sentences, paying attention to keywords and ideas they discuss. Read with purpose, considering why the author wrote it this way.
2. Pay careful attention to stylized words—Bold, Italicized, Underlined, or Some Combination. Stop at sentences with formatting and ensure you understand them fully.
3. Reread what you don’t understand—More than a few times if necessary. If you still do not understand, write down the page number and what you don’t understand, then ask Dad.
4. Read Aloud Occasionally—This forces you to slow down and process words more carefully, improving comprehension.
5. Summarize as You Read—After each paragraph, briefly summarize the main point in your own words. If you can’t do this, go back and read again.

Vocabulary

Every subject has its own language. Everyone in our family knows what pristine and ruined mean, though these are not common words for younger children. Similarly, each school subject has its own vocabulary that you must learn to understand it properly.

1. Bold Words in textbooks are usually vocabulary words. Write these down in your notebook with their definitions.
2. Italicized Words may also be important. Treat them as vocabulary when necessary.
3. Review words often—Make flashcards and review them with your brothers.
4. Memorize both the spelling and the meaning of each word.
5. Use new words in a sentence—The best way to learn a word is to use it.
6. Test yourself—Challenge yourself to recall definitions and spellings without looking.

Comprehension Questions

Each chapter or section in textbooks includes review questions to test your comprehension. Reading Comprehension is the ability to read something, understand it, and explain it in your own words. If you can’t say it in your own words, you do not understand it.

Comprehension Aids

1. Write out a comprehension/review question in your notebook.
2. Answer the question to the best of your ability.
3. Look up the answer in the book to verify your response.
4. If you are wrong, figure out why.
5. If you can’t figure it out, come talk to Dad.
6. Write a short summary after answering all comprehension questions.

Quizzes & Tests

Quizzes evaluate how well you have comprehended smaller sections of material. Tests determine how well you understand broader chapters. Tests will cover quiz material but will also include vocabulary, general ideas, and previous quiz questions.

Keys to Success

1. Learn proper spelling and meanings of vocabulary words.
2. Master the comprehension questions.
3. Understand the basic ideas of what you are reading.
4. Write down anything Dad points out or questions—It is likely important.
5. Review quizzes before tests—Mistakes are lessons, not failures.

Note-Taking & Study Habits

• Use a dedicated notebook for each subject.
• Highlight or underline key ideas in your notebook as you read.
• Write margin notes in your notebook summarizing paragraphs.
• Create a “Dad’s Notes” section for points Dad emphasizes.
• Have a weekly review session to refresh past lessons.
• Practice explaining ideas aloud to reinforce understanding.
• Never skip over something difficult—struggle is part of learning.

Final Encouragement

Learning is not just for school but for life. The diligence you apply here will serve you in farming, mechanics, theology, and beyond. Mastering study habits now will prepare you to be capable and knowledgeable men.

When learning feels difficult, remember: “Sweat, blood, and tears.” Proverbs 13:4, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Hard work always bears fruit.