12.Have a binder for each subject. This is more organized than cramming everything into one large, heavy binder. Have tabs like: homework, tests/quizzes, etc… Have some loose leaf paper and plastic sleeves at the back. Keep your notebook at the front as well as your weekly timetable. Don’t forget to be creative: decorate the inside and outside of your binder.
13. Have a planner or diary. This is a real must. You cannot rely on your memory. Jot down due dates, homework, your weekly timetable and test dates. Keep this ‘book of miracles’ with you and make sure you actually use it! It is a guarantee that you will never forget about homework again.
14. Keep your locker organized. Pile things neatly and put a shelf or two (unless you have a small locker). Put in a pen cup and a magazine file with your notebooks inside. Clean out your locker every week. Decorate your locker as cute as possible. (Optional). Try not to put food inside so your locker doesn’t stink.
15. Buy a sturdy backpack. Make sure it is big enough for all your books and binders. Lots of pockets will also help you organize your belongings. Put the larger and heavier objects closest to your back so that you can spread the weight over your shoulders.
16. Type (or write) a vocabulary list. When it comes to tests, teachers love to ask their students for definitions. Memorize the meanings of the main concepts.
17. Create a schedule for your day. Write when you will do homework, when you will study and when you will have breaks. Especially when you panic, this method will help you calm down and realize that there is enough time to complete everything. It also gets your tasks done quicker.
18. Do exercises when studying for math. Memorize those formulas and do an endless amount of exercises. Practice is the key to math. There isn’t another way to study math and many people do not realize that until years of school.
19. Grab a tutor. Tutoring isn’t only for the ‘dumb’ kids. Tutoring can help even the best of students to further understand the given topic. An hour or two a week is usually sufficient to refresh your mind about what you are currently learning.
20. Have a notebook for each subject. Write down class notes and summaries, formulas and exercises, anything important when studying should go in either your binder or notebook.
21. Use flashcards. Put the question or word on one side and the answer or definition on the other. Have these in your pocket and test yourself wherever you are. Ask your parents to test you as well. Using flashcards is a helpful way of studying.
22. Have reference books on your desk. Dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias and math books are all essential when you need something to refer to while studying or doing homework.
23. Always have a diligent and determined attitude. Always go to school happy to learn. Take pride in your work and always try your very best. Don’t ever copy those lazy students who do not care for their priceless education. They are the ones that will regret it when they are older and you will have the better job in your life; achieving the best.
24. Prioritize after-school activities. If your art class or soccer training is getting in the way of your school work, then you better take it aside. It doesn’t have to be permanent; it can be temporary. Because as you know, school always comes first.
25. Avoid cramming for tests. This useless ‘technique’ never works. Studying at least 3 days before is more successful. Cramming too much information into your brain causes you to have ‘mind blanks’ during the test. No-one likes these little devils as they cause you to panic in a test.
26. Use Post-It notes. These bright, handy tools are excellent for reminding you to do things. Putting little tabs in your textbook can tell you the important pages to study. They can also help to remind you about what you need to do.
27. Use memory tools. Mind maps are a great way to summarize information. PowerPoint is fantastic for notes and summaries as you can choose how many slides you want on a page.
28. Keep that stack of homework. Invest in a cheap folder to file away those old worksheets and papers. In future years, you will definitely need to refer back to them.
29. Always practice and study. In the bus or during that boring visit to your grandma’s – study. It always recovers you from boredom and it makes the best use of your time. Carry around some flashcards for that spare moment. It all adds up at the end.
30. Form a study group. Studying with friends can always be fun! Testing each other is a great way to learn. Make sure you do not get distracted, though.
Best of Luck
#CoachFaith