Buy binders for every class. On the inner flap, put the syllabus. Then start organizing your homework and the sheets your teacher gives you in chronological order, if possible. Keep specific materials you need (markers, scissors, etc. ) organized by class. Every binder should have a pen and a highlighter, too. Throw some stuff out! If your locker looks like a paper hurricane just hit it, clean it out! The less stuff you have to sort through to get to what you want, the more time you save to do other, more important things.
Have you ever heard of context-dependent memory? That’s when your memory finds it easier to recall things in the place where it learned them. [1] X Trustworthy Source Simply Psychology Popular site for evidence-based psychology information Go to source So if you study there one night, studying there the next will make it easier to recall what you studied before! If you can, have more than one study space – the library, at a friend’s house, etc. Research says that the more places you study, the more connections your brain has and the easier it is to remember the facts you study. [2] X Research source
If your teacher doesn’t give you this list, ask! He or she will be very impressed with the initiative you took and how seriously you’re taking their class. You may become a favorite!
This is true for everything from math to history to art. There’s always more reading you can do to wrap your mind around a topic, regardless of what it is.
This also establishes a relationship with your teacher from early on. You’ll be the one who cares about their grade and is trying their best. When grading time rolls around and you’re at an A- on the edge of an A, your teacher may give you the benefit of the doubt because you’re a good student and bump you up to an A!
If you don’t know what the reading was, look at your syllabus. There’s a reason it should be in the front flap of your binder – it should have listed every piece of homework or reading and when it’s going to be talked about. A quick look at that piece of paper and you’ll know exactly what to do.
Besides, if the teacher thinks you’re not paying attention, she might ask you a question and you might not know how to answer because you have not been paying attention! The less you embarrass yourself, the better!
Talk to your parents about how they can help or reward you. If you get all straight As, could you get that video game you’ve been hoping for? Extended curfew? You need all the motivation you can get!
You can also ask your older siblings or parents to help you, too, if they’re good at a certain subject. Just make sure they wouldn’t distract you and can actually help you get work done.
You can also ask your older siblings or parents to help you, too, if they’re good at a certain subject. Just make sure they wouldn’t distract you and can actually help you get work done.
Make sure the people you’re studying with are good students that care. You don’t want to be working with a few people who just want to mess around during your “study group” time. Have everyone bring snacks and think of a few things to talk about. Make a rough schedule of what you’re going to cover and delegate a person as that week’s group leader, so they can help keep everyone on track. If it’s a Friday night and you have a test in a class on the following Monday, gather up 2-3 of your friends that are in your class and quiz each other. If a person gets a correct answer, then they get 2 points, if they get a wrong answer, they get 1 point taken away. Whoever gets the most points at the end of the study session get to pick a movie to watch!
When it comes to tests, you should be studying a little bit every day about a week or so beforehand. The more days you spend studying, the more times your brain has to recall it, making the connections in your brain stronger and more reliable. Spending 20 minutes a night studying each subject is more effective than sitting down for three hours and cramming before a test. [8] X Expert Source Ashley Pritchard, MASchool Counselor Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
And other times this extra credit will just be tacked onto your year-end score. That’s good, too! With extra-credit, you really can’t go wrong.
Your body needs sleep (7-9 hours, depending on your specific preferences). A lot of being a good student is about taking care of yourself, too! So skip the cramming, go to sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast. Studies show eating a good breakfast can power your brain and get you better grades, too![10] X Research source
During your break, grab a handful of blueberries, nuts, broccoli, or even dark chocolate for a brain boost. [12] X Research source Snacking can give you more energy if you’re feeling a little fatigued, too.
This is especially good if you have a friend with you during this time you can study with. You can each give each other a few flash cards and quiz each other. When you’re reading and talking about the information, it becomes more solidified in your mind.
Hospitals Nursing homes Homeless, battered women’s, or children’s shelters Animal shelters Soup kitchens Churches
No one said you had to be good at these things. If you’re a star basketball player, take an art class or try out for the school play. If you’re in the school choir and can’t throw a ball to save your life, try out for the soccer team. It’s only for a season!
What’s more, these are some of the easiest organizations to find leadership roles. Saying you’re the “president’ of something is pretty impressive!
If your school doesn’t have a class you want to take, a lot of schools have partnership programs where you can take the class at a different school or local community college. And if you’re in high school, you may even be able to get college credit!
A school-wide recycling program A thespian, chess, or writer’s club LGTBAU group Pre-SAT or ACT study organization Technology club
