HAPPY SCHOOL YEAR TIPS
Happy school year!
Students have been in school a month or more, getting adjusted to a new schedule, possible even a new school and new classmates (hopefully fitting in somewhere, especially in middle school). School can be quite an adjustment for some, and school counselors can help with that adjustment.
What about academic adjustment?
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Some things your child can do to adjust to middle school are suggested at conqueryourexam.com. “Professor Conquer” says there are some simple things your student can do to succeed in middle school. These include getting enough sleep — The CDC or Centers for Disease Control recommends 9-12 hours of sleep a night for those 6-12 years old, and 8-10 hours for those age 13-18.
It’s a good idea to actually “take notes” in a notebook (unless the teacher lets the student use a laptop for this). No one can memorize everything that goes on in class, especially which several different subjects and teachers to contend with.
Be organized. Put handouts for the different subjects in different folders, even using colored ones. And if the teacher does NOT hand out a “study guide” for an upcoming test, then kids should ask for specific chapters to study instead.
Also– don’t be afraid to ask the teacher questions or even a classmate for help, especially with math/science/essay questions.
HIGH SCHOOL
In high school, students should seriously think about their future. Do they have a special talent or skills (that pay), cuz spitting 6 feet or playing the banjo may not pay the bills after graduation. Concrete interests can help — if they like to help others, they could be a nurse, pastor, counselor, policeman/woman. If they’re good with their hands, carpentry, plumbing, electronics, working with computer hardware, or graphic design could be the thing for them.
“Prep scholar” says students in high school need to set goals, such as getting good grades and doing a few extracurricular activities they can put on their resume/college application, be it sports, working at McDonald’s, volunteering at the local library or church, or through scouting. Also talk to people in a field of interest, like teachers, electricians, engineers, salesmen, environmental rangers. Talk to the h. s. counselor about grants and scholarships to apply for.
An important life skill is to be resilient in life. If there is a problem or even a family illness that is upsetting, having a trusted adult to talk to (parent/teacher/counselor/best friend/older adult mentor) is really important. And if the student is being bullied or otherwise isolated and distracted from certain goals, school officials or Social Services can help.
Students can have the future they desire if they are willing to work for it and have family and/or school support.
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