1. Check ProgressBook for missing assignments. If the teacher allows students to turn in late work for partial credit, get busy completing it!
2. Take a close look at your test grades and think about how you are studying. Are you studying for long or short periods of time? Is the place where you study quiet or noisy?
Do you study by yourself or with someone? Do you study the night before or do you spread out the studying over many days? Are you using flashcards or a study guide? If your study habits are not working, switch things up!
3. Send an email to your teacher (at least 2-3 weeks before the end of the quarter):
Dear Mrs./Mr. ________,
I noticed that my grade is ______. I have turned in all of my work. I am wondering what I can do to improve my grade before the end of the quarter.
Sincerely,
Your name
1. SCHEDULE FREQUENT HOMEWORK BREAKS: It’s important to give yourself enough breaks so that you don’t get overly frustrated, bored, or start drifting away from the material. Take a 5-10 minute break every 20 to 30 minutes. These small “brain breaks” will you refresh your mind and return to the material more invigorated. Take a short walk to help get rid of any extra energy so you will be ready to get back down to work.
2. CREATE A DEDICATED STUDY SPACE: Having a space to work is crucial for homework and studying. Ideally, this space should be used be for homework only, but that may not always be practical depending on the space you have in your home. The most important thing that is this space remain distraction-free and has all the supplies you need to work (like pencils and paper). A good study space can have a great impact on your ability to concentrate more effectively on your homework.
3. SWITCH UP SUBJECTS: A major factor in distraction is often boredom. A good way to combat that boredom is to switch subject focus every so often. Mixing it up can help keep the mind engaged and focused. If you hit your limit with math, switch to another assignment. Come back to any unfinished homework questions later and tackle them with a clearer mind.
4. MAKE A HOMEWORK PLAN: Approach each homework session with a plan of attack. Make a work checklist and stick to it. Make a list of materials and books that you need in order to complete your work. Some students find it helpful to estimate the amount of time each assignment will take. Then they set a timer and get to work. Any extra time can be use to reward yourself!
5. REWARD HARD WORK: After you finish a task, take a SHORT break and do something active and fun. Avoid using this time to watch TV! Go for a walk, talk to a friend, listen to some music, etc. Breaks should be short and energizing so that you can complete the rest of your work.
a. Tell your teachers as soon as you know the dates that you will be out of school. Give them time to assemble your work!
b. Pick up all work and take home all necessary books and folders.
c. Complete the work before returning to school. Place completed work in your book bag so you don't misplace it or forget it.
d. Deliver the work during intervention on the day you return to school.
a. Check Google Classroom to see what work you missed.
b. Ask a friend who lives nearby to collect any work that was assigned and drop it off at your house. Most assignments will be posted online.
c. Send an email to your teachers:
Hello Mrs./Mr. ______,
I was not in class on ________ (date). I will stop by during intervention on ______ (date) to discuss the lessons and work that I missed. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Your name
a. Visit all of your teachers and collect make up work. Avoid doing this during class. Visit during intervention.
b. Update your planner to make sure you are aware of future due dates and assessment dates
c. Turn in any work that was due on the day(s) you were absent.