Brainstorm ideas about what you’d like to do with your life, so that your guidance counselor meetings are productive. Take responsibility for your organization and your grades by working hard without being told to. Taking an active approach to these challenges will best prepare you for the transition to a new school. [2] X Research source
In English or language arts classes, you can expect an emphasis on persuasive and expository writing (writing that offers an explanation). Begin keeping a journal or diary to strengthen your expository writing skills. In history or social studies, you will be asked to relate the past to the present in greater detail. You can practice this skill whenever you watch a movie. Ask yourself: Which elements of this movie relate to older movies you have seen? Which elements relate to things from your real life? Across all of your classes, there will be a greater emphasis on class discussion. Write down questions or comments you have while you are at home doing homework, so that you always have something to contribute.
Try reading the conclusion first. If you know the main idea before you begin, you may have an easier time understanding what you are reading. Look up words you don’t know. Taking the time to look up words will enable you to understand the reading, while building your vocabulary and making you a better reader over time. Read at the right time. Some people will have a better time reading in the morning, and others at night. Others will read best right after lunch. Find your ideal reading time, and try to get your reading done when it is optimal for you.
Notebooks Binders Pens Pencils Colored pencils
For example, you may want to have one folder and one notebook dedicated to each class. You may want to create folders on your computer at home where you can save schoolwork. You may want to use a color system. If you use a blue folder and notebook for math, you can also use blue post-its for math reminders, and highlight math assignments in your planner with a blue highlighter.
Write down the dates of exams, quizzes, and tests. Write down major assignments. Write down daily homework assignments and/or reading.
Check rubric requirements for each assignment that you are given. Make sure you meet the necessary standards to get full points. Follow instructions intently and ask for clarification if you are confused about any grading choices.
If you must miss class, be sure to make up what you missed. Ask a friend to take notes for you, and speak to your teacher to ensure that they got all the proper information.
Start a new sheet of paper every day. Write the date at the top of the sheet, as well as a heading that states the subject of the class. Write down key facts. Listen up for important facts, dates, or examples and write these down. If you recognize something your teacher is saying from the reading, this is likely something important. Don’t worry about using complete sentences. Develop your own shorthand, abbreviations, and shortcuts. Ask your teacher to repeat something you missed. Review your notes after school each day. You may even want to rewrite your notes for more clarity. Consider comparing notes with a trusted classmate. You each may have emphasized different things and could benefit from sharing.
Spend 10-15 minutes reviewing material that you learned that day. Spend 30-40 minutes completing the most urgent assignments. Spend 10-15 minutes beginning work on other assignments, or studying for tests, that will not be due for a little while.
You may have an office in your home that you can claim for an hour or two each day. You may be able to set up a section of your bedroom for this purpose. If all else fails, you can probably set up shop at your kitchen or dining room table. All that matters is that you are comfortable, you won’t be distracted, and that you have access to all the materials you need.
Try to get 8 hours of sleep per night and keep a regular bedtime. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Studies have shown that adolescents who eat whole grains with milk had better academic performance than both those who had no breakfast and those who had sugary cereals. [15] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source It is also helpful to eat healthy snacks throughout the day. Things like “ants on a log” (celery with peanut butter and raisins), hummus and veggies, and all-natural fruit leathers are great options. [16] X Research source
