Back-to-School Game Plan

Maybe last year's final report card didn't leave the 'rents too happy or maybe you just think you could have done a little better - either way, Kidzworld's got the 411 you need to pull it together for the new year. Check out our classroom pointers and study tips!

Game Plan - Rally the Troops

The first step to getting yourself on track academically is to let people in on your plans. Talk to your 'rents about your goals and ask them for their support. Maybe they can think of ways to help you - like creating a study space for you in your room or giving you your space when you're studying. Talk to your teacher(s) about any issues you had last year and alert them to any difficulties you're having with new material. It's also a good idea to let your BFF in on the plan so he or she will understand if you need to spend a little more time at the library and a little less time at the skate park.

Game Plan - Get Organized

You have a clean slate at the beginning of the year, which makes it the perfect time to get organized. Find a quite space to designate as your homework space. Make sure it's stocked with everything you'll need to study - pens, pencils, notebooks, rulers etc. The same goes for your space at school. Keep your desk or locker supplied with all of your basic gear and keep your notes and assignments in their own individual binders for each subject. Also, make sure you buy (and use!) a day planner or notebook to keep track of all of your assignments and up-coming tests. If you keep everything organized, it will mean less time finding stuff and more time for studying.

Game Plan - Take Note!

When in doubt, write it out! Not only will taking notes help serve as a permanent reminder of what you want to remember, the actual act of writing a fact down helps commit it to memory. Try to find a way to organize your notes that makes sense to you. Using headings can work and so can numbering "sub-points" or linked ideas. Indenting and arrows can also be helpful ways of showing that a point is related to the one above it.

Game Plan - Be Cool

The bottom line when it comes to schoolwork is to really give it your best shot - ask questions, do your homework, take an interest in what you're studying. Everyone can't be a total math whiz, but everyone can work as hard as they can to understand what is being taught. This is your year to really shine!

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