Strategies for Success:

Here are some strategies to help you be successful in class:  Also see the files at the bottom of this page for some additional strategies that may be useful!

1. Stay organized - see notebook information on Anatomy section of my webpage.  Keep your notebook organized.

     a.  At the beginning of each unit:  Check the lesson plan and write down everything in your planner.  Do these for EVERY class you have.  Then you can see which nights will be heavy homework nights.

     b.  Schedule every activity you have - including free time and study time.  Then stick to your schedule.

2. Actively listen in class - focus on what we are talking/writing about, ask questions as needed, stay on topic with your comments, draw sketches in margins of your notes to help yourself understand. Write down the memory tricks we discuss.

3. Each evening: Devote ~10 minutes to reviewing/studying your notes from that day. Memorize it, understand it, & write down any questions you have so you can ask it the next day.

4. Assignments: Start on assignments only after you have done your 10 minute review. Try to do the assignment without looking at your notes - see what you already know & what you still need to work on. Then study some more over what you had trouble with - then go back to the WS & try to complete some more questions without looking at your notes. Go back & forth until all the assignment is completed. This takes longer at first but the time pays off later!

5. Don't give up: Just because you initially don't understand what a question is asking you, doesn't mean that you don't know the information. Pick apart the question word by word & try to determine what knowledge it is asking you about. Just remember: "Quitters never win and Winners never quit. Slow but steady wins the race."

6. Check your grades daily (you & your parents) - know exactly what your average is at all times. If your teacher hasn't entered something or has made a mistake, politely ask them about it so they can get it fixed. Don't let yourself get into a grade hole that you will have a difficult time climbing out of. It is much easier to keep a high average high, than try to bring a low average up.

7.  You will often have time in class to study &/or begin assignments or reviews.  Use this time wisely and stay on task.  You can accomplish a lot this way & not have so much to do after school.

This process will take a little longer to work through BUT you will know your information much better when it comes time to review & study for your test.

A LITTLE MORE PREP TIME = A LOT LESS STRESS

Don't be scared - Be prepared!