Supporting High School Students With Their Transition Back to School By Becky Reback
As the new school year approaches, it’s time to prepare for a successful and skillful start. Whether you’re attending our Back-to-School BootCamp or using these steps to self-actualize, this guide will help you get ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
1. Understand Your Brain
Knowing how your brain processes and understands information is crucial for optimizing your learning. Here’s what to consider:
- Learning Styles: Do you understand information better with words, pictures, or hands-on activities? Identifying your learning style can help you choose the best study methods.
- Processing Speed: How quickly can you copy information from the board or comprehend new material? Understanding this can help you manage your time better.
- Executive Functions: Assess your ability to focus, use working memory, and adapt to new situations. These skills are essential for managing schoolwork.
- Memory: Consider your strengths in visual and verbal memory. Knowing how you retain information can guide your study strategies.
2. Create a Personalized Learning Framework
Using your understanding of your brain, develop a tailored approach to learning in each subject:
- English: If you’re a visual learner, try using mind maps to outline essays or stories. If you’re a verbal learner, practice discussing themes and characters.
- Math: Use problem-solving techniques that match your style, whether it’s visualizing problems or breaking them down into smaller steps.
- Science: Engage with experiments, diagrams, and models to understand concepts.
- History: Utilize timelines, flashcards, and storytelling to retain historical events and dates.
- Languages: Practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in various contexts to enhance your fluency.
3. Set Up Essential Systems
a. Digital Calendar:
- Include your class schedule, extracurricular activities, special events, family obligations, and homework/study time.
- Ensure this calendar is accessible on both your computer and phone and shared with your parents for coordination.
b. Organized Work Space:
- Equip your study area with necessary supplies: blank notebook, pencils, sharpener, calculator, pens, wall calendar, highlighters, post-it notes, and index cards.
- Keep this space clean and free of distractions to maximize focus.
c. Homework Time Routines:
- Review Daily: Use the stoplight strategy to assess your understanding:
- Red: Needs re-learning.
- Yellow: Requires practice or memorization.
- Green: Fully understood.
- Re-Learn or Learn: Utilize resources like YouTube, books, and friends to fill knowledge gaps before starting assignments.
- Track Time: Record your daily tasks and how long they take. This helps you estimate time for future assignments and manage your workload.
d. Feedback Sheet:
- Create a sheet for each class to track your grades and the feedback you receive. This will help you focus on areas for improvement and celebrate your successes.
4. Small Strategies with Big Impacts
- Detailed Study: Break down “study” into specific actions like writing, rewriting, and summarizing. Writing helps reinforce memory.
- Graphic Organizers: Use these tools to structure information in subjects like science and social studies, making note-taking more efficient.
- Manage Distractions: Limit phone use during study time with apps like Screen Time and Freedom. These tools help you stay focused.
- Body Double: Study with friends via FaceTime or in-person to boost motivation and concentration.
- Fake Deadlines: Set earlier deadlines for yourself to prevent last-minute cramming and reduce stress.
Being a high school student is a job that requires preparation, adaptability, and continuous improvement. We’re here to support you every step of the way. For personalized guidance, email Becky Reback at becky@evolvededucationcompany.com. Don’t miss our Back-to-School BootCamp from August 19th to 22nd—sign up on our website today!
Let’s make this school year your best one yet!