For many middle schoolers, this may be the first time that they have had to study, and many don't really know how.  Below are some tips to share with your student to help them navigate studying for the first time.

• Pay attention in class, and ask your teacher questions. This seems super simple but this is where the learning happens. Write down questions you have for your teacher, copy down important information, ask your teacher questions. Chances are, someone else in your class has the same question.

• Begin studying for a test the week before, not the night before. Create a plan with your student on studying a little each night.  On the final night before the test, do a review of everything.

• Use flashcards. You can use flash cards when you are studying almost every subject. Use it for questions and answers, vocabulary terms, etc. Have your child CREATE the flashcards, and then quiz your student or allow your student to quiz themselves.  Creating the flashcards also helps students to retain more information.

• Highlight, annotate, study guides, and use those Unit Reviews. Does your student use a workbook for a class? Utilize the reviews and questions at the end of each section. Students- go over your annotations and what you have highlighted. Also, if a teacher gives you a study guide, use it.  They are giving you information on WHAT to study for the test.

• Use a calendar, agenda, or planner (paper or electronic) to track more than just your homework. Having your student begin to track their activities, homework, practices, study sessions, etc. will help them learn to better manage their time. 

• Create a routine at home. Studies show that many students benefit from doing their schoolwork when they return home from school. Of course, we cannot always make that happen.  Create a routine for your student so they know what is coming next. For example- schoolwork, snack, dinner, gymnastics practice, shower, and bed.

• Listen to books online. Having a student listen to the book they are reading WHILE they are reading it to themselves can help them understand and retain more information.  Some students will also read out loud, too.

• Keep up with organization. So you bought your student EVERYTHING that they need to stay organized, but are they still organized?  Just like adults, students also need to clean out their binders, folders, Google Drives every so often to cut down on clutter and things they don't need.

• Use your school time wisely. Students- use Explore time and your class time to talk to teachers about where you are struggling. Also, join after school tutoring. Tutoring can be found online in the HMS 2020-2021 Google classroom.

• Make a friend in every class. Students- find a few people you can contact if you misunderstand a concept or miss class. They can also use you as a contact, too.