Getting used to identifying things from the air helps. What a railway line, river, silo or homestead will look like helps. Also getting used to distance and time intervals. I agree that getting the aircraft trimmed and leaned in cruise first is best.
Having our clipboard set out well helps with info and prompts in colour or highlighted. Getting a mental picture of how you will approach an airfield help too. Active runway, circuit direction, altitudes, where is the windsock etc.
The combination of theory and flying works best as you consolodate your knowledge by practice.