Where Do I Begin?

Study and Organization Techniques for Middle School Students

Ginny Sharp, MS Ed, NCCHill Middle School

Ginny_Sharp@ipsd.org

Study Environment!

Quiet environmentGood lighting-no eyestrain Clear space on desk, table, or counterSupplies: paper, pencil, calculator,

assignment notebook, dictionary, computer, printer, eyeglasses, drink, snack, etc.

Storage for supplies near workspace

Study Environment!Temperature is importantToo cold-thinking slows and may be

unclearToo hot-you might get sleepy

Study Environment!Freedom from interruptionsTurn off distractions

Time Management!Plan specific time for studyingReview new content nightlyHave assignments recorded in assignment notebook

Time Management!

Prioritize workSet specific goals Check assignments off when finished

If you get stuck, ask for help (parent, sibling, peer, teacher, etc)

Steps for Dealing with Homework!

Understand what the assignment is and write it down.

Take home proper materials Follow directions of the assignment Remember to bring homework

back to school and turn in to the proper class

Procrastination!Why does it happen:Task is too difficult/unpleasantFear of failureConfusionDisinterestDifficulty concentratingDifficulty setting prioritiesFatigue

Procrastination Solutions!Use positive self-talk to motivate yourself

Ask for help ( parent, sibling, peer, teacher)

Assistance with priority setting/Feedback

Reward yourself when task is completed

Set study time when you are at your best

Break tasks into small chunksTake breaksDo unpleasant tasks first

Improve Concentration When Studying!Relax

Clear your mind of worrisome thoughtsMonitor your thoughts while working to

make sure you stay on taskRelate what you are studying to your

own lifeMake the content meaningfulThink about new content covered in

classReview/highlight your notes

SMART Goal Setting!What are you going to do and how are you going to do it?

Specific (I will do…)Measurable (check it off)Achievable(is it realistic for me to be

able to do it-like learn to spell 3 new words a day)

Relevant(is this important to learning)

Timely (timeline, deadline)

During Class!Connect new information with prior

knowledgeMonitor my focus on classroom tasks

Participate/Ask ?Take notes on the main points of

discussions

Listen for key words (“this is important, remember this, this is likely to be on the test”)

Write down the assignment

The Pitcher & The Catcher!Think of it this way:

The teacher is the pitcherThe student is the catcher.

Important informationYou need to catch the important

information the teacher is pitching your way

After Class!Review your notes and think about what was covered in classRewrite or add to your notes as you study

Some people like to underline or highlight important ideas and vocabulary

Have a system to track important papers

Remembering!Study regularly-avoid crammingRehearse the information you are studying

Organize the information by connecting it to prior knowledge

Visualize what you are trying to learn

Acronyms-Example: Order of Operations PEMDAS

Parenthesis | Exponents | Multiplication | Division | Addition | Subtraction

Make Flash Cards out of key information

Organizing your Binder!Pencil bag-pencils, pens, post-its,

highlighters Label pocket folder/dividers with subject

namesUse different colors for different subjects

Homework folderPaperSheet protectors3-ring hole punchAssignment notebook

Backpack!When arriving home put it in your workspace

Pack it up as soon as you finish your homework

Put it near the front door to grab on your way to school

During the school day, put things in it that need to go home

Clean it out regularly

Locker Organization Use metal mini-shelves for books,

shoes, sports equipment Organize books in order they are used

during the dayUse hooks for coat, backpack, lunchbox,

purse, etcMagnetic accessories: mirror, corkboard,

whiteboard, pencil holderEmergency supplies: Kleenex, hand

sanitizer, deodorant, post-its, pencils, pens, scissors, ruler,

Clean out twice monthly

Locker Problems Cramming stuff in your locker leads

to locker jamsOld food in your locker gets moldyPuffy coats do not fitGraded papers make lockers cluttered-

take them homeCash, IPods, calculators get stolen-keep them on you, whenever possibleKeep your locker locked and do not share your combination

The END