Study Skills and Habits Insert Name Insert Chapter

Are You a Media Multi-Tasker? A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation referred to today's children as "media multi-taskers," who send instant messages, talk on the phone and listen to music at the same time while doing homework. Despite what you think this could hold back your learning! Multi-taskers learn but cannot retrieve the information as effectively.* *Greatschools.net

Good Habits Checklists Have you done all the tasks you needed to do? Time Management Keep a schedule and calendar to keep you on track Routine Get into a daily schedule

Good Habits Study Location and Set Up Choose a clean and quiet well-lit area to study DO NOT study in front of the TV Try listening to classical music or jazz to help you concentrate

Good Habits Book Bag and Locker Organization Keep all storage areas clean and organized This will help prevent lost homework and wasted time searching for items! Materials and Supplies One large binder with dividers for each class or one notebook for each class Come to class prepared

Good Habits Take care of your health Time for Leisure / Play Make sure you get enough sleep Use of Technology Make sure you are familiar with all the software that you are using (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc…) Seek help if you are unclear

Good Habits Use teachers as a resource Don’t be afraid to ask for help Get familiar and friendly – they are there to provide support and will provide college recommendations

Good Habits Be Positive A good attitude goes a long way Remain calm. If you are overwhelmed create a list to put things in perspective

Specific Skills Planning Use your calendar to review assignments due and plan ahead Don’t be stuck writing a 10 page paper in one night – PLAN AHEAD!

Specific Skills Testing Cramming is taking a chance Study gradually over time for any exams – you will retain the information better Use note cards and a buddy system to test yourself before the actual exam

Specific Skills Note Taking Make sure your handwriting is clear Don’t try to write everything your teacher says – make sure you get the important points If your teacher writes something on the board make sure to include this in your notes – this means the teacher thinks it is important!

Specific Skills Manage your time Make sure you keep track of how much time you spend on homework, leisure, afterschool activities, time with friends… If your homework, time with friends, exercise, etc… is suffering figure out how to shift your schedule for a balanced lifestyle

Set Goals! Set both long term and short term goals What do you need to do to achieve these goals? Update your goals and don’t be afraid to seek support (teachers, parents, mentors…)