1. Take out a piece of paper, set it up for Cornell Notes, and give it the title: 4 Challenges for Finishing High School

2. Quick! Without thinking about it too much, write down the first word that you think of in response to each of the following: 1) Teacher 2) Math 3) Homework 4) Report Card 5) Tests

3. Challenge 1: “I’m Stressed Out!”  Stress does not end with school Bills Bills Family Family Work Work In-laws, etc. In-laws, etc.

4. Sharpen the Saw  Sharpen the Saw – means to replenish (recharge) the four parts that make up you. 1) Body (physical) 2) Heart (relationships) 3) Mind (mentally) 4) Soul (spiritually) How well do you sharpen your saw?

5. Walking Zombies  Sleep deprivation contributes to depression, lower grades, accidents, and emotional problems. 1. Get what you need Most teens need to sleep 8.5-9.25 hours a day, but only get 7. Most teens need to sleep 8.5-9.25 hours a day, but only get 7. 2. Go to bed early, get up early. Every hour of sleep before Every hour of sleep before midnight is worth two hours after. midnight is worth two hours after. 3. Be somewhat consistent Binge sleeping will mess you up Binge sleeping will mess you up 4. Relax before bed

6. Discussion What do you do to relax? Have you noticed the effects sleep can have on your performance? What can keep you from getting enough sleep? How much sleep do you normally get?

7. Challenge 2: “There’s Not Enough Time!” “If only I had an extra hour every day!” = 7 more hours a week What could you get done with that much time? Most of us probably waste that much time each week doing unimportant activities.

8. Time Wasters Television I watch _____ hours of TV each week. Average teen watches 21 hours a week! PTW (Personal Time Waster) Video Games, Shopping, IM, Phone My PTW is ______________.

9. Learn to Say “No” With a Smile  Do I really need… to have a part time job? to play two sports? to be in every club? to play so many instruments? to go to every party? to do every activity at church?

10. Stop Procrastinating! The remedy for procrastination is … “Just do it!” The best way to get in this habit is to use a planner! You’ll know what you have coming up, and you will have a great feeling when you start crossing off homework, projects, etc!

11. Challenge 3: “I Just Don’t Care” I just don’t feel motivated to get out of this well, so I’m not going to try.

12. Two Types of Motivation External Motivation – doing something because there is a reward or consequence. Examples: getting good grades because your parents will buy you a car, working hard to be a good athlete to make your dad proud. Internal Motivation – doing something because you see value in it. Examples: getting good grades because you want to go to college, working hard to be a good athlete because you enjoy competition and achievement.

13. Develop a hobby that you really love Sign up for an elective class you have always wanted to take Get involved in fun and challenging extracurricular activities at school like a club or sport Apply for a summer job or internship in a field that excites you Take a class from a teacher everyone says is the best Start your own business Travel, at home or abroad

14. 4 Questions Take out a piece of paper, label with your name, date, period, and title. 1. What are some of your hobbies? 2. Is there an elective class that you have taken that you really enjoyed or an elective you know you want to take? 3. What school activities are you involved with? 4. Where have you traveled? Where would you like to travel?

15. Challenge 4: “I’m Just No Good At School” School doesn’t address all of our abilities. There are four main types of intelligence.

16. IQ (mental intelligence) Our ability to analyze, reason, think abstractly, and use language Does well at math, science, English, etc. Viewed by others as “smart” or “nerdy”

17. EQ (emotional intelligence) Lots of intuition, can read social situations, and can get along with people Lots of intuition, can read social situations, and can get along with people Joins clubs, student government. Asked to plan parties and events. Viewed by others as “charming” or “manipulative”

18. SQ (spiritual intelligence) Longing and capacity for vision, value, and meaning. Serves other people. Seen by others as “kind” or “a sucker”

19. PQ ( physical intelligence) Learn through bodily kinesthetic means, like physical sensations and touching Seen by others as “athletic” or “jocks”

20. Take out a scratch piece of paper Brainstorm: Make a list of at least five tips for making good grades. Discuss: Share your ideas in groups of five. After everyone has shared their lists, come up with the best five tips and write them on your paper.