Where Do I Begin? Helping Your Child with Study and Organization Techniques Parent University, February 5, 2011 Ginny Sharp, MSEd, NCC

Study Environment!  Quiet environment  Lighting-no eyestrain  Clear space on desk, table, or counter  Supplies: paper, pencil, calculator, assignment notebook, dictionary, computer, printer, glasses, drink, snack, etc.  Storage

Study Environment!  Temperature is important  Too cold- thinking slows and may be unclear  Too hot -you might get sleepy

Study Environment!  Freedom from interruptions  Turn off distractions

Time Management!  Plan specific time for studying  Review new content nightly  Have assignments recorded in assignment notebook

Time Management!  Prioritize work  Set specific goals  Check assignments off when finished  If you get stuck, ask for help

Steps for Dealing with Homework! 1. Understand what the assignment is and write it down 2. Take home proper materials 3. Understanding directions of the assignment 4. Remember to bring homework back to school and turn in to the proper class

Procrastination! Why does it happen:  Task is too difficult/unpleasant  Fear of failure  Confusion  Disinterest  Difficulty concentrating  Difficulty setting priorities  Fatigue

Procrastination Solutions!  Positive self-talk to motivate/Rehearse  Ask for help (teacher, parent, another student)  Assistance with priority setting/Feedback  Reward when task is completed  Set study time when you are at your best  Break tasks into small chunks  Take breaks  Do unpleasant task first

Improve Concentration When Studying!  Relax  Clear your mind of worrisome thoughts  Monitor your thoughts while working to make sure you stay on task  Relate what you are studying to your own life  Make the content meaningful  Think about new content covered in class  Review/highlight your notes

SMART Goal Setting! What are you going to do and how are you going to do it?  Specific (I will do…)  Measurable (check it off)  Achievable(3 new words a day)  Relevant(is this important to learning)  Timely (timeline, deadline)

During Class!  Connect new information & prior knowledge  Monitor focus/Participate/Ask ?  Take notes on the main points  Listen for key words (this is important or remember this)  What is likely to be on the test  Write down the assignment

The Pitcher & The Catcher! Think of it this way: The teacher is the pitcher The student is the catcher. Important information

After Class!  Review your notes and think about what was covered in class.  Some people like to rewrite their notes as they study.  Some people like to underline or highlight important ideas and vocabulary.

Remembering!  Study regularly-avoid cramming  Rehearse the information you are studying  Organize the information by connecting it to prior knowledge  Teach the information to someone  Visualize  Acronyms-Order of Operations PEMDAS  Flash Cards

Organizing your Binder!  Pencil bag-pencils, pens, post-its, highlighters.  Label pocket folder/dividers with subject names  Use different colors for different subjects  Homework folder  Paper  Sheet protectors  3-ring hole punch  Assignment notebook

Book Bag!  Pack it up as soon as you finish your homework  Put it near the front door to grab on your way to school  During the school day, put things in it that need to go home.  When arriving home put it in your workspace  Clean it out regularly