Study and Organization Techniques for Middle School Students Where Do I Begin? Study and Organization Techniques for Middle School Students Ginny Sharp, MS Ed, NCC Hill Middle School Ginny_Sharp@ipsd.org

Study Environment! Quiet environment Good lighting-no eyestrain Clear space on desk, table, or counter Supplies: paper, pencil, calculator, assignment notebook, dictionary, computer, printer, eyeglasses, drink, snack, etc. Storage for supplies near workspace

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 (parent, sibling, peer, teacher, etc)

Steps for Dealing with Homework! Understand what the assignment is and write it down. Take home proper materials Follow directions of the assignment 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! Use positive self-talk to motivate yourself Ask for help ( parent, sibling, peer, teacher) Assistance with priority setting/Feedback Reward yourself when task is completed Set study time when you are at your best Break tasks into small chunks Take breaks Do unpleasant tasks 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(is it realistic for me to be able to do it-like learn to spell 3 new words a day) Relevant(is this important to learning) Timely (timeline, deadline)

During Class! Connect new information with prior knowledge Monitor my focus on classroom tasks Participate/Ask ? Take notes on the main points of discussions Listen for key words (“this is important, remember this, this 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 You need to catch the important information the teacher is pitching your way

After Class! Review your notes and think about what was covered in class Rewrite or add to your notes as you study Some people like to underline or highlight important ideas and vocabulary Have a system to track important papers

Remembering! Study regularly-avoid cramming Rehearse the information you are studying Organize the information by connecting it to prior knowledge Visualize what you are trying to learn Acronyms-Example: Order of Operations PEMDAS Parenthesis | Exponents | Multiplication | Division | Addition | Subtraction Make Flash Cards out of key information

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

Backpack! When arriving home put it in your workspace 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 Clean it out regularly

Locker Organization Use metal mini-shelves for books, shoes, sports equipment Organize books in order they are used during the day Use hooks for coat, backpack, lunchbox, purse, etc Magnetic accessories: mirror, corkboard, whiteboard, pencil holder Emergency supplies: Kleenex, hand sanitizer, deodorant, post-its, pencils, pens, scissors, ruler, Clean out twice monthly

Locker Problems Cramming stuff in your locker leads to locker jams Old food in your locker gets moldy Puffy coats do not fit Graded papers make lockers cluttered-take them home Cash, IPods, calculators get stolen- keep them on you, whenever possible Keep your locker locked and do not share your combination

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