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The following information is not my own work. It is a cut-and-paste copy of the work of Ms. Leslie Miller, NNPS School Psychologist. This is valid for Middle and High School students.
Helping...Students Learn Study Skills and Organization
Helping...Students Learn Study Skills and Organization
August 5th, 2013 | Author: Leslie Miller
Leslie Miller was a NNPS School Psychologist in two of our NNPS middle schools.
Original Title: Helping Middle School Students Learn Study Skills and Organization
The transition to middle school is a difficult period for all students, especially for those with organization or planning difficulties. Moving to middle school involves a large number of changes, more than at any other time in student’s development, with the possible exception of transition to college.
Academic demands increase; students must manage homework, tests, and projects for three or four different core class subjects. However, there are helpful hints that both STUDENTS and PARENTS can use to help with beginning and continuing effective study and organization habits for themselves and their students. According to the website www.brighthubeducation.com,,
The Top Ten List of things STUDENTS can do to improve study habits:
10. Select a consistent place to study.
9. Don’t wait until the last minute to study/review for tests and quizzes. Study a little every night and get a good night’s sleep.
8. Buy and agenda book and use it daily.
7. Dedicate a space for every class in your book bag/binder. This includes spaces for class notes, handouts, and homework.
6. Stay organized throughout the year – putting papers in their place daily.
5. Make your own study cards. On the front of the card, write the word or idea, on the back write the definition or idea.
4. Use headings from chapters and fill in with class notes and study cards to creat your own study guide.
3. Talk about assignments with friends. Discussing a novel you are reading helps increase your understanding.
2. If you are struggling, ask for help. After school help is available if you ask.
1. Make academics a focus in your life. Studying takes time and effort. If you start now, it will be easier to continue.
A list of steps PARENTS can take to help their middle school student with study/organizational skills:
Make time to discuss getting organized – call a family meeting.
Access the organizational system used at school, such as the school or teacher’s website. Enlist your student’s help – find the system that works best for him/her.
Come up with a plan. This includes an agenda book, the right “paper-tamers” (such as notebooks and folders), a daily homework time, and short homework sessions followed by a break.
Don’t criticize- instead, help him/her get back on track.
Clean out backpacks regularly with students.
Keep a family calendar which includes keeping track of major tests, project due dates, and other activities, such as sports or church.
Call for reinforcements. If these ideas do not meet with success, seek outside help from your school. Your child may respond better to other’s ideas. Other references to help with study and organizational skills include the following websites:
References: Langberg, Joshua; Homework, Organization, and Planning Skills (HOPS) Interventions, p.2, National Association of School Psychologists, 2011.
For further information, please contact ...the School Psychologist assigned to your student’s school.
Category: Academics, Homework, Miscellaneous, Parent Tips, Tips for Teachers | | No Comments »
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