Scarsdale

Studying

• Seek information – Ask your child about the test. What subjects will it cover? What kinds of questions will be asked? Will students be allowed to use aids such as books, or calculators? If notes or books are allowed be sure important information is highlighted.

• Organize material – Divide notes, homework, handouts, quizzes, and other materials into logical sections.

• Make a study plan – Schedule time to review for the test. Spread the work out over a couple of days. Include study breaks!! Students learn best by studying for about 20 minutes then taking a small break.

• Take a Practice Test. – Create questions about the information. Study them until the questions can be answered confidently.

• Study Under Test Conditions – In other words no TV, radio or other distractions. This can improve memory at test time. Set a timer during a practice test to make it more realistic.

• Look at Old Tests & Quizzes – Learn from Past mistakes, such as failing to read instructions carefully.

The Night Before a Test

• Don’t Stay Up Late – If a child has studied well, there is no need to stay up all night “cramming”. Being active earlier in the day (not right before bed) can help children get to sleep. They should have at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to be at their best.

• Eat Healthy Meals – This will provide energy at test time. Students should not eat a large meal right before a test. Their minds and bodies need to focus on thinking not digesting.

• Wear a favorite Outfit – Your child should pick one that makes them feel confident and comfortable

• Be Positive – Expecting to do well helps students do well. Encourage your child to think positive thoughts, like “I can do it!” Also giving compliments is helpful

• Don’t Put to Much Pressure – If you are overly worried about tests, chances are your child probably will be too. This makes it difficult to do well.

• Effort is More Important than Grades – Judge your child’s success more by their effort than their grades. If a student studies hard but fails, compliment them on their effort and help them learn from their mistakes.

• Review With Your Child – Go through flash cards, review key terms, let them teach you something. Students remember more by teaching others.

Use an Assignment Book

• Students should use it to keep track of assignments. They are required take it to every class and write down exactly what the assignment is and when it is due. Using a large calendar at home to keep track of appointments, practices, and other social events is also a good idea.

Keep Lockers’ Neat

• Students should keep their locker neat. A messy locker can slow them down and cause them to be late to their classes. It can also make it difficult to find necessary materials.

Make Time for Homework

• Parents & students should set up a special time each day to complete homework.
• Students should find a quiet place to work. They should make sure it is well lit and get all the supplies they need before they start.


Break Big Projects into Smaller Ones

• This makes it much less intimidating. Decide when each step will be completed and write it down on the calendar.

Prepare the Night Before

• It will save time in the morning and will prevent forgetting important items
• Parents & students should check the assignment book. Be sure that all assignments due the next day have been completed.
• Students should pack their book bag after completing their homework. They should place all school materials and supplies they will need for the following day.

GETTING ORGANIZED TAKES PRACTICE AND A LOT OF EFFORT. PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO BE PERSISTENT AND DEVELOP THESE HABITS.