Success in School

Steps to Success

• Scout your classes
• Get organized
• Take useful notes
• Remember more
• Know the game

Scout your classes

• Know your teacher and how to contact them
• Know what supplies you need for the class
• Know what your goals are for the class
• Know how your grade will be claculated
• Any extra credit?
• Think about any challenges you may face in the class and how you can overcome them

Get Organized

• Doing your work doesnt mean much if you lose it before you turn it in
• Use supplies appropriate for the class. If your teacher passes out a lot of papers, get a folder or binder to keep them in.
• Have a filing system at home. If you might need a paper later, but you don't need to bring it to class have a safe place for it at home

Take Useful Notes

• When taking notes, don't write word for word. Focus on main ideas and key points
• Write notes that YOU understand. Use abbreviations, draw pictures, connect ideas, make graphs or charts. Anything that helps you understand the content
• Notes are a fast summery or the material, not a COPY of the textbook!

Remember More

• You remember information better when you use it more or can connect it to something
• Use flashcards to remember key terms and definitions
• Use mnemonics to help. ex: "red next to yellow is a deadly fellow" is a mnemonic to remember what type of snake is venomous. You can make similar phrases to remember information

Know the Game

• You wouldn't play a sport without knowing the rules. Know the rules for school success
• Treat teachers with respect. Having a positive relationship with your teacher will help you in the long run
• Go to class. Don't expect to ace a test if you never went to class.
• Do your work. If you only do 80% of the work, then you only earned 80% of the grade.

By taking these 5 steps, you can set yourself up to meet your potential and be successful in school