STUFF YOU MAY NOT HAVE LEARNED IN MIDDLE SCHOOL: ASTRONAUTS AREN’T ALLOWED TO EAT BEANS BEFORE THEY GO INTO SPACE BECAUSE PASSING WIND INA SPACE SUIT DAMAGES THE SUIT.
It usually goes something like this: You’re sitting in science class and anxiously waiting for the bell to ring so you can get out of there and on to something more exciting—like pre-algebra. At the last possible moment, your teacher reminds you, “Be sure to study chapters 13 through 15 tonight because we may have a quiz tomorrow.” What does she mean by that? Does she mean you should memorize those chapters? Does she want you to reread what you’ve already read? Does she want you to know every single fact that’s listed? Can somebody please be more specific?
Here’s a little tip: You’ll be surprised by how much information your teachers will share with you if you’ll just ask them. Seriously, when you stick around for a minute after class to ask for some help, it shows the teacher you actually give a rip about the class. Teachers have a soft spot for students who like to learn. It’s kinda like how Kurt has a soft spot for students in his youth group who bring him doughnuts.
Anyway, chances are your teacher will be happy to explain to you what “study chapters 13 through 15” really means. And it’s important to ask because it probably means something different to each teacher. One teacher may want you to review the summary questions at the end of each chapter, while another one may expect you to reread the material and highlight what’s important. Still another teacher may simply expect you to be able to remember the big ideas or key facts you learned.
Kurt and I have learned that when our daughters struggle with studying, it’s usually because they aren’t sure what the teacher expects them to study. So here are two additional super-basic ideas to help make studying a little easier:
Take good notes. Teachers usually quiz and test on the stuff they’ve lectured on during class. By paying attention and taking good notes, you’ll make your study time at home way more effective.
Find a quiet place and give it your full attention. Don’t try to study while you’re watching television, downloading music on iTunes, talking on the phone, or playing a computer game.
We gotta go now. We need to study for the next chapter we’re about to write.
“SCHOOL IS HARD, BUT I JUST TRY NOT TO GET BEHIND, AND I’M FINE.”
—BRENT, 7TH GRADE