1. Preparing Students for Success in Middle School & Beyond
Parent University
Preparing Students for Success in Middle School & Beyond

2. MYTH: Only smart students do well in school.
FACT: Students who work hard and set themselves up for success do well in school.

3. MYTH: There is a one-size-fits-all approach to good school habits.
FACT: It takes trial and error to find the system that works best for you!

4. Keep Track of Homework Assignments
Challenge!
Try a system for three weeks to see if it works for you.
Keep Track of Homework Assignments
Option 1: Agenda
Make a habit of writing in agenda as soon as you arrive to class
Especially useful for long-term projects and assessments
Write assignment on due date and when it’s assigned
Add in times to study and work on long-term projects
Use binder clip to easily open agenda to current week
Set an alarm to remind you to get started!
It’s free! Replace in main office for $5
Most popular system used by students with all As!
your homework isn’t done until everything is organized correctly and ready to go for the next school day
Clean out any unnecessary papers or items from backpacks
File papers into the correct spot in binders and remove any outdated materials - keep these in a binder at home
Place anything that needs to be returned to a teacher in an easily accessible location

5. Keep Track of Homework Assignments
Note: It typically takes 21 days to create a new habit.
Keep Track of Homework Assignments
Option 2: myHomework app
Make a habit of adding new assignments as soon as you arrive to class
Set reminders to complete assignments and to study
Code subjects by color
Receive alert if an assignment is overdue
Provides a visual reminder of upcoming assignments
Available on Iphone, Android and Window devices.
your homework isn’t done until everything is organized correctly and ready to go for the next school day
Clean out any unnecessary papers or items from backpacks
File papers into the correct spot in binders and remove any outdated materials - keep these in a binder at home
Place anything that needs to be returned to a teacher in an easily accessible location

6. Organizing Homework Assignments
Find the system that works for you!
Put homework inside front pocket of binder
Put homework in front cover of binders
Keep one homework folder for all classes
Put homework in pocket folders used to separate subjects in binders

7. Organization - Binders
Which system will work for you?
Organization - Binders
Option 1:
One binder for each class
Different color for each subject
Option 2:
One binder for subject(s) you have daily
Second binder for other core subjects
Option 3: Organize binders by A vs. B day
Option 4: Organize binders by subject and periods
Ex: One binder for English & History (3rd & 4th block classes)
Ex: Second binder for Math (A&B day class) and Science
This will save you time at home because you will not have to dig through lots of papers to find what you need.
This includes homework, notes for your parents, forms that need to be signed, items you want to leave at home, etc.
Do not wait until you finish all of your homework before you put your papers away; this increases the chances of papers getting mixed up with other items in your home, put in the wrong binder, or simply forgotten.

8. Tips for Organized Binders
Comments on Locker Organizers from QLMS Honor Roll Students:
Tips for Organized Binders
Write subject(s) on the spine
Less is better!
Allows students to bring all binders home daily
Organize papers BEFORE starting homework
Hole-punched, pocket folders are a great way to separate subjects in a binder
Empty binders of unnecessary papers each quarter
Follow teacher instructions!
Use dividers to create required sections
Some teachers prefer notebooks; not binders
Locker organizers are a must!
Definitely worth the money!
This will save you time at home because you will not have to dig through lots of papers to find what you need.
This includes homework, notes for your parents, forms that need to be signed, items you want to leave at home, etc.
Do not wait until you finish all of your homework before you put your papers away; this increases the chances of papers getting mixed up with other items in your home, put in the wrong binder, or simply forgotten.

9. Organization - Lockers
Without a Locker Organizer
Difficult to find materials
Homework black hole - important materials can get lost in the bottom of the locker
With a Locker Organizer
Subject is written on spine of each binder
Different color binder for each subject
Makes it easier to get in and out quickly

10. Study Skills - Getting Started
Try to schedule study and homework time for the same time each day.
Set up a study corner at home - make sure you have good lighting, comfortable seating, and all the materials you will need.
Keep the atmosphere in mind, too! Look for a calm, quiet area if you are easily distracted, or look for a more active area if you need noise to focus.
Turn off unnecessary electronic devices and install website blockers to keep yourself focused.
This helps your brain get focused on what needs to be done, even when you’d rather be doing something else.

11. Study Skills - General Tips
Practice active listening in class - listen to understand, not just to hear what is being said.
Write things down in your own words, list any questions you have about the material, and connect the topic to things you already know.
Ask questions when you don’t understand something.
Spend a little time each day reviewing your notes and other study materials
If you have a question, chances are somebody else does too.
If you are not comfortable asking a question in front of the whole class, it’s okay to approach the teacher when you are working independently or after class.
Studying a little bit more often will help you learn better and remember more than cramming before a big test

12. Study Skills - General Tips
Try to read ahead, or even just look at the pictures and headings in your textbook, so you have a better understanding of what will be covered in class
If possible, avoid being absent on the days before a test
Turn your notes into questions
Make flashcards of important vocabulary words and concepts
Read your notes out loud
If you are absent, make sure you get the notes from the teacher or a classmate
If you were making a test on this material, what would you need to know?

13. Study Skills - “Brain Breaks”
Don’t get so caught up in studying that you forget self-care.
Observe how long you can focus before you need a “brain break.”
When you need a break, choose one or more of the following:
Play a favorite song and have a dance party
30 Jumping Jacks
20 sit-ups
10 wall push-ups
Bring R elbow to L knee and L elbow to R knee
Make 10 small circles with your arms
Run in place for a count of 30 (or while playing a favorite song)
March in place with knees high for a count of 10
Touch R hand to bottom of L foot. Repeat 10 times.
Ask student to think of other ideas and create a list together
Make time for eating, sleeping, exercise, and relaxation. A healthy, well-rested and well-fed brain absorbs more information

14. Time Management - Plan Ahead
Set up a weekly schedule. Start by including set times for activities, then choose at least 7 hours a week for homework/studying/organization
Schedule in Fun Time - the visual helps everyone see that there is plenty of time for fun and homework
Allow some time for flexibility - if extracurricular activities are a big part of the schedule, the weekends may be needed to catch up on homework and studying
Spend a day or two keeping track of how you spend your time each day. Use your findings to figure out what works well and where you can use your time more efficiently.
Even when you don’t have homework, it’s a good idea to spend a little time studying or organizing in the blocks of time you already have to do homework.

15. Sample Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday
3:00
Outside
Homework
Friend Visits
Project or Study
4:00
5:00
Dance Class
Dinner
Project or
Study
6:00
Dance
Class
Piano Practice
Gymnastics
7:00
Video Games
8:00

16. Sample Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday
3:00
Practice
Homework
Time with Friends
4:00 TV
5:00
Dinner
6:00
7:00
Game
8:00

17. Helpful Resources www.quizlet.com www.remind.com www.google.com/drive
Create flashcards and study games if your teacher has not uploaded some already
Enables communication with teachers
Save documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online so they are always accessible
Block websites while you study
Online planner
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
For Parents: Mindset - The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck