Where has the summer gone? It is unbelievable that school has begun and the warm weather will soon be a memory. But what a summer it was. Emery had two great movies at Joseph Bannon Park. We had the chance to see so many familiar faces and had so much fun. We cannot wait for next summer’s lineup.
With a new school year there is a sense of renewal. Let’s make this year a positive one. Here are some great tips for students:
1. Get Organized. Between homework, tests, and extracurricular activities, it’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks. A planner can help.
2. Know the Expectations. Students shouldn’t have any surprises when it comes to how and what they will be graded on. By middle school and high school, most teachers will provide a course outline or syllabus, which can serve as a guide.
3. Designate a Study Area. Provide a quiet, well-lit, low-traffic space. Institute a “communications blackout” policy with no cell phones or social media allowed until schoolwork is done.
4. Develop a Study Plan. First things first: students need to know when a test will take place, the types of questions that will be included and the topics to be covered. From there, your student should create a study plan and allow ample time to prepare – there’s nothing worse than cramming.
5. Think Positively. Being in the right mindset can make all the difference. Encourage your child to think positively when studying or heading into an exam.
6. Create a Study Group. Working in groups can help students when they’re struggling to understand a concept and can enable them to complete assignments more quickly than when working alone. Keep groups small and structured to ensure the maximum benefit to participants and reduce distractions.
7. Practice Active Listening. It’s important for students to concentrate and avoid distractions when an instructor is presenting. Some tips to share include: try concentrating on the main points being made, think about what the speaker is saying and pay attention to how things are said (gestures, tone of voice, etc.).
8. Review Test-Taking Strategies. Certain strategies can help manage stress before tests. Students should be sure to read all of the directions on the exam and pace themselves so as not to feel rushed. You can let your child know that it’s OK to skip around on a test, if allowed.
9. Read Actively. It’s all too easy for students to skim over an assigned book chapter and not know the main points of what they just read. Help by practicing active reading by asking him or her to note the main idea of each passage and look up unfamiliar words or concepts.
10. Look to the Future. Starting early can be an immense help in navigating the college admissions process. Be sure to get organized.
I hope these tips are useful and provide students confidence.
Sincerely,
Executive Director Sandra Farina