The first month of the school year is a great opportunity to set a positive precedent for study habits throughout the year. It’s a major period of adjustment, especially for students who are transitioning to middle or high school, and it can be easy to get distracted by all of the things going on in a student’s life. However, being organized and proactive up front can make all the difference in the long run.
Create a study group with new friends
One thing students can do in the first few weeks of school is to create a study group with some brand new friends. Not only will this help students with their academic work, but it will also help them create valuable social ties with other students who have similar interests and abilities. Homework can be challenging and sometimes dry, but studying with a group of responsible friends can make it more enjoyable and encourage students to make healthy study habits a part of their everyday life.
Get to know the teacher and their expectations
Different teachers will have different expectations for their students. Some will give students more hefty assignments with generous due dates while others will break up assignments into smaller chunks and give them shorter due dates. In addition, some will have strict grading policies based primarily on testing while others might give more weight to homework and participation. Regardless, every teacher will follow the standard curriculum for their students’ grade level and require them to meet a certain academic standard for that class. Knowing what each teacher expects at the beginning of the year can make the transition smoother. Hint: Most teachers will explain their expectations in the syllabus. If not, the first month of the term is a great time to reach out and learn what goals should be set.
Reintroduce organization
For many students, summer is a time to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and pursue extracurricular activities. Now that the school year has started, adjusting to core subjects and weekly homework assignments can be a challenge. Reintroducing organization, such as prioritizing assignments, time management practices, and setting aside a period of time each day for academics, is a great way to help students be successful in the first month of school.
