Find a place to study

Some students need to be alone in silence with no distractions while studying. Others may find it more beneficial to study with other students or while listening to music. No matter what type of environment you need to study, make sure to find a comfortable place whether it’s at home, at the library, or even at a park. Just make sure to have everything that you need, and if you do study with others, try to stay focused on preparing for the test.

Stay organized

In order to do your best on a test, it is important not to wait until the last minute to cram. Keep a planner with the dates of all your assignments and tests so that you can schedule your time accordingly. Having a calendar at home with important dates on it can also help because it lets your parents know when you have tests coming up. This is a useful tool because they can remind you that you have to study and can even plan a time to help you prepare.

Make review sheets

Taking good notes and highlighting important information during class will help you in the long-run because you will be able to easily make review sheets and flashcards. It is best to make them ahead of time so that the night before the test you can just study from them without fumbling through your notebook, textbook, worksheets, etc. If you have to study from a textbook, it is a good idea to see if there is a website that goes along with it in order to take advantage of practice quizzes, chapter summaries, and other study aids.

Know the test format

Ask your teacher in advance what the format will be (multiple choice, short answer, essay, etc.). If you know what type of test to expect, it will make it easier to prepare for it. Try making a sample test of your own so that you can take it and see how much information you actually know, as well as what areas you need to spend more time focusing on. Depending on how much time you have to take a test, you may want to develop a strategy based on which type of questions to answer first according to their value and how long they take to answer.

Be prepared

Being ready for a test does not only mean studying. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy breakfast in the morning. Have everything you will need (#2 pencil, calculator, textbook, notes, etc.) and be sure to dress comfortably so that you are not distracted by what you are wearing. If possible, get to the classroom early so that you can relax and study from your review sheets.

Keep your test as a reference

When a test is graded and handed back, many students make the mistake of getting rid of the test and review sheets. Instead, it is a good idea to keep these papers on file because they can be used as a resource later in the semester and are great study tools for midterm and final exams. If the teacher tends to follow the same layout for all exams, old tests can also help you to remember what format and types of questions to expect for next time. Sometimes teachers collect tests after showing you your grade, but it’s most likely to prevent cheating. Speak with them and explain that you would like to look over the test to learn from your mistakes, and they will most likely let you refer back to it.

1. Have a Designated Study/Homework Area

• Designate an area of your house or your child’s room as a homework/study area.
• This area should have a desk or table where your child can read or work.
• Provide a chair that is comfortable and appropriate for the height of the desk.
• Be sure that the area is well lit with lamp.
• Supplies (pens, paper, pencils, books) should be easy to reach.
• Make sure there is a dictionary appropriate to their age group AND a thesaurus available.

2. Make Time for Homework

• Let your children know that regardless of other activities (sports, music lessons, etc.) completing homework is a priority.
• If your schedule allows it, set a specific period of time afterschool when your children are doing homework or reading.
• Make yourself available for part of the time they are doing homework so that they can come to you for help if they don’t understand the material.

3. Remove Distractions

• The television should be off during homework time.
• Unless typing on the computer or doing online research is part of the assignment, the computer should also be turned off.

4. Check Assignments

• Have your child write down assignments in a small notebook designated ONLY for writing down homework assignments (one page per day) to keep this information organized.
• Check this list everyday for the first few days of school to make sure your child is writing down the assignments in a way that is easy to understand.
• Check the homework for completeness. If you can’t check homework everyday, then do it periodically.
• If they are doing homework on their own paper, make sure the assignment is written at the top of the page so there is no confusion as to what was supposed to be completed.

5. Give Praise

• Praise your son/daughter for good work.
• If there is room for improvement, praise them for what they did correctly and let them know how to improve it. Praise the work that comes back corrected.

6. Encourage Good Time Management

• Help your child manage their time when completing assignments as this will also keep you manage your personal and family time.  Some assignments are due the next day, while other assignments may not be due for several weeks. Review both lists. With long-term assignments, help them pace the work and understand the many steps and time involved for a completed assignment.
• Make it their responsibility for telling you what they need each week. Some assignments affect your time–an errand to the store for school supplies, or ingredients for a recipe they need to cook–so make sure you are aware of these needs so you aren’t caught off guard.

7. Set a Good Example

• Let your child see you reading books and newspapers.
• Let them see you using math skills to measure things in the house, balance your check book, or measure ingredients for a recipe.
• Let your children see you taking notes when you need them and point out to your child the importance of note-taking for classes, studying for tests, and every day activities.
• Go to museums, cultural events, and other activities together that foster learning.
• Take them to the public library and get a library card for them and yourself.
• Talk about school and learning activities in family conversations.
• Attend school functions when possible and get to know your child’s teachers and classmates and their parents.

After your child is done the homework, go the extra step.  Both of you should take a look at the next chapter of their textbook. If it’s a history or science book, you should have them read the major headings of the chapter to help them become familiar with what will be covered the next day in class.  If the subject is math, you should help them with a sample problem to help them understand the concept.  By giving your child this 1-on-1 time with a new lesson and helping them become familiar with new material in the comfort of their own home,  you are actually making it easier for them to learn the material in class. When the teacher covers the material the next day, not only will your child more readily absorb the material, they will be more confident in answering questions on the material.

Tips:

• Talk to your child about going to school. Tell them about what they will learn, that they will make friends, stories about when you went to school, and what they can expect to do all day.
• Visit the school and meet the teacher with your child so that they become familiar with the environment.
• Meet other parents and students, perhaps even schedule play dates.
• Get your child into a routine the week before school starts by making them go to bed and wake up like they would for a real school day.
• Have a practice school day. Lay out clothes the night before, make sure everything is in their book bag, pack a lunch, wake up early, and have your child do activities like they will do in school.
• Explain how you will pick them up from school and that they should never leave with a stranger.
• Get them excited about school and perhaps give your child something special to reward them for making it to their first day of school.
• Put a small reminder of home in their book bag in case they miss you (perhaps a picture of the family, not anything that can be considered a toy).
• Make sure that they know the basics for their grade level (shapes, letters, tying shoes, etc).

Discover More

• Get Ready for School: Preschool Checklist.
• Safety Mom: Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten.
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Back to School Tips.
• Parenting Ideas: Tips for a Great First Day of School.
• Visit the K12Genie Back to School Store at Amazon.

General Tips

• Carefully consider which means of transportation works best depending on the student’s age, maturity level, location, and how far they live from the school.
• Leaving a few minutes early is helpful so that the student does not feel rushed and remembers to be cautious.
• Students should not travel alone to school if at all possible. Try to arrange for them to go with others.
• Students should report any uncomfortable situation that they may encounter when traveling to and from school to their parents and teacher.

Crossing the Street

• Always look both ways and then look left again. It may seem obvious, but many accidents happen because people fail to perform this simple task.
• Try to cross the street at a corner with a crosswalk. If there is a pedestrian traffic light, cross when you have the right of way.
• Most schools have crossing guards to help students safely get across the street. It is important to be alert and follow their directions.
• Do not assume that someone else in the group is looking for cars on your behalf or that on-coming traffic can see you crossing.

Walking, Biking, Skateboarding, etc.

• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing the traffic.
• Wear bright colors or put reflective tape on backpacks so that drivers can see you.
• Never walk out from in between two cars.
• When riding a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard always walk it across the street instead of riding it. Also, wear the proper safety equipment (helmet, elbow pads, etc.) when necessary.
• To avoid distraction, do not listen to mp3 players or use cell phones.

Taking the Bus

• At the bus stop, wait on the sidewalk and never step out into the street until the bus has fully stopped.
• If there are enough seats, always stay seated and buckle seat belts if they are available.
• When walking near the bus, be far enough away so that the bus driver as well as other drivers can clearly see you when crossing the street.
• If taking public transportation, practice the commute so that you are confident and always have a back-up travel route in case there are any problems.

Driving

• Watch out for pedestrians and follow school traffic signs.
• Be sure that everyone in the vehicle is safely buckled.
• When carpooling with another student’s parents, make sure that they are a safe driver.
• Use caution when getting in the car with new drivers.
• Know what to expect when dropping off students at school. Sometimes there are designated areas or students have to be walked in.
• Find out the school’s pick-up policy and whether or not they require a list of people who are allowed to take students home.

Discover More

• Safe Kids USA: Child Pedestrian Safety Rules.
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Safety Tips.
• Safe Kids Worldwide: Pedestrian Safety.
• Elmer’s Safety Village: Safety Activities.
• Ask a Cop: Rules for School Bus Safety.
• National Highway Traffic Highway Administration: The School Bus and You.
• Teen Driving: General Tips.

Elementary School

• Backpack
• Lunch box
• Supply box and/or pencil case
• Notebooks (usually marble)
• Folders with pockets
• Black or blue pens (younger students may need erasable)
• Red pen
• #2 Pencils
• Pencil sharpener with scrap catcher
• Erasers
• Crayons (make sure to have the 8 basic colors)
• Washable markers
• Dry erase markers (if students will use dry erase boards)
• Highlighters
• Colored pencils
• Watercolor paint and paint brush
• Scotch tape
• Glue/Glue sticks
• Child-safe scissors
• Ruler (with inches and centimeters)
• Construction paper
• Loose leaf paper (wide ruled)
• White computer paper
• Index Cards
• Post-its
• Smock
• Mat or towel (if there is rest time)

Middle School

• Backpack or large side bag
• Pencil case
• Notebooks (marble or spiral)
• Folders with pockets
• Binder
• Loose leaf (college ruled)
• Page reinforcements
• Page tab dividers
• Planner and/or homework pad
• Black or blue pens
• White out
• #2 Pencils
• Pencil sharpener with scrap catcher
• Erasers
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Colored pencils
• Washable markers
• Mini-stapler and staples
• Scotch tape
• Glue stick
• Graphing paper
• Scientific calculator (Texas Instruments recommended)
• 12 inch ruler (inches and centimeters)
• Protractor
• Book covers
• Dictionary and/or thesaurus
• Flash/Thumb Drive and/or blank CDs (only some schools require this)

High School

• Backpack or large side bag
• Pencil case
• Notebooks (usually spiral with perforations)
• Folders with pockets
• Binder
• Planner
• Loose leaf (college ruled)
• Page reinforcements
• Tab dividers
• Planner and/or homework pad
• Black or blue pens
• White out
• #2 Pencils
• Pencil sharpener with scrap catcher
• Erasers
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Colored pencils
• Washable markers
• Paper clips
• Mini-stapler and staples
• Scotch tape
• Glue stick
• Graphing paper
• Graphing calculator (Texas Instruments recommended)
• 12 inch ruler (inches and centimeters)
• Protractor
• Compass
• Book covers
• Dictionary and/or thesaurus
• Flash/Thumb Drive and/or blank CDs (only some schools require this)
• Foreign language dictionary

General Classroom Supplies

• Tissues
• Paper towels
• Hand soap
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer (use with discretion)
• Disinfecting wipes (for the desks)
• Zip-lock bags
• Garbage bags

K12Genie Tips

• To save money, see what is left over from last year and buy supplies such as pens and pencils in bulk.
• Supplies should be basic so that they are not considered a toy or distracting to the class. Students should also know how to safely use all of their supplies.
• Be sure to also have some supplies at home. Planning ahead will help to avoid getting aggravated and save time when homework requires the use of certian materials.
• You can recycle large brown paper or shopping bags and use them to make book covers.  They are very sturdy and re-using them is good for the environment.
• Don’t forget to label all supplies with the student’s name!

Shop for Supplies Online

• Visit The K12Genie Store at Amazon for all of your Back to School Essentials.
• Check out amazing back to school deals at Discount School Supply.
• Get irresistibly cute hand-drawn stationary, stickers, and more from AmyAdele.com.
• Shop for books and textbooks at BarnesandNoble.com.

Traditional high school isn’t for everybody. Unlike many other sports, tennis competitions occur year-round and around the world, requiring aspiring young players to abandon regular high school for home or online programs. The Laurel Springs School in Ojai, California is one such school that caters to students, such as actors and Olympic athletes, that require a distance learning environment . The school now has more than 300 tennis players. Distance programs like that at Laurel have been spurred by the move by the U.S.T.A. and the International Tennis Federation to professionalize the junior circuit. To some parents, allowing their son or daughter this exposure to international competition at a young age allows them to realize their potential unfettered by the traditional education system.

Read Full Article

Are you a parent of a star athlete? Share your story with K12Genie.

Need tickets for the US Open? Buy them at TicketMaster

]]> http://www.k12genie.com/the-career-path-to-pro-tennis-often-passes-high-school-by/feed/ 0 http://www.k12genie.com/students-take-home-assignment-census-kits/ http://www.k12genie.com/students-take-home-assignment-census-kits/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:03:28 +0000 K12Genie Staff http://www.k12genie.com/?p=1761 Friday, August 28, 2009
USA TODAY

Summary: As kids start going to school this fall, the U.S. Census will be giving them a lesson in civic duty. The U.S. Census, which takes place every ten years last happened in 2000.  To make sure that everyone is aware of the upcoming 2010 Census,the Census Bureau is sending posters, teaching guides, maps, lesson plans, and other information to schools around the country, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.The Bureau plans a Census Week early in 2010 where teachers will devote time each day to discuss topics related to the Census such as geography and civic participation.

Read Full Article

Discover More:

• U.S. Census Bureau

Different students have unique ways and habits to study for finals. This past spring, I  journeyed to many schools, made numerous phone calls, and sent a myriad of emails to discover how students prepared for their final exams.  Here are the results:

Having Someone Quiz You

• “I always take notes and outline about four to five sentences on the material I need to know. Then I review it with a friend or family member.”–Charles Guirad (age 14, 9th grade, Xavier High School, New York, NY)
• “I get help from my older brother and he quizzes me on the things I need to know.”–Jessica Hamilton (age 8, 2nd grade, P.S. 49, Staten Island, NY)

Note/Flash Cards

• “Usually I study by myself with note cards which help me memorize what I need to know.”–Samantha Colon (age 12, 6th grade, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island, NY)
• “Making note cards and using them as flash cards is the way I do it.” –Megan Caccavale (age 14, 9th grade, LaGuardia High School, New York, NY)
• “I read over my notes and write down key points on my chalkboard. It really helps!” –Paris Garcia (age 15, 9th grade, Notre Dame Academy, Staten Island, NY)

Outlines

• “I find the best way for me to study is to type up an outline of the information on the test and study from that.” –Gabrielle Lacqua (age 11, 6th grade, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island, NY)

Reading Aloud

• “I do everything I can to study–make study sheets and read them aloud, over and over again and write down all the significant information.” –Crista Lacqua (age 13, 8th grade, Notre Dame Elementary School, Staten Island, NY)

Reading/Doing Sample Problems

• “The best way to do it is to go into the textbook and read the examples, especially for Geometry.” –Joseph Klien (age 14, 9th grade, Xavier High School, New York, NY)

Read, Read, Read

• “I read and read and read. Then take a break, and read some more.”  –Lawrence Little (age 15, 9th grade, Regis High School, New York, NY)

Studying to Music

• “I go up to my room and listen to music while I study.” –Brooke Weinandy (age 12, 7th grade, Mohawk Junior High School, Sycamore, OH)

As you can see, students from many different schools study differently. This may depend on the school they go to, the friends they have, their interest in school, or how smart they already are. Students have their own unique ways to study, which helps them in the best way possible. Whether you make note cards, study in a group, or just hit the books and read, studying is studying.  Your way of studying might be different from your friends, but that one way is what helps you conquer the finals, or any test!

(Interviews were conducted spring 2009.)

About the Author: Andrew Lacqua is 15 years old and is a sophomore at Xavier High school in New York City. Some things he likes to do are play tennis, hang out with friends, listen to music, and play paintball every now and then.