15 Ways to Study Alone (and with Partners)

(Reminder: We already have posts on general studying tips and preparing for tests in particular! We also have a post on how to get organized.)

As we gradually prepare for midterm exams (and final exams later in the year), many students will choose to begin studying soon. However, the reality is that most students learn and study differently, so the exact action steps to take will vary by BOTH the student and the content area.

Below is a list of suggested action steps to take in the coming weeks. (Students: You may need to try several of them to find the best combination of study methods for you!)

How to Use the School Planner Effectively

Writing down homework in the provided planner every day is more than just a school rule - it’s an organizational tool that many students could probably use more regularly... or more efficiently.

In a student survey, 51% of seventh and eighth graders admitted that they “always or sometimes” need help with using their planners better, and we teachers are finding that not everyone fully uses this resource well. (This skill is a great organizational habit to build before high school as well!)

Below are several tips for students to try daily, as well as some weekly or situational strategies. We ask that parents encourage their students to find the combination of strategies that works best for them!

Tips for Organizing Binders, Folders, and Papers

Does your child sometimes (or always) lose papers? Does she seem to have an exploding binder, or a folder with contents in disarray? Does he hesitate about where to put a piece of paper, or need to re-organize more often?

In a survey taken during the 2015-16 school year, 58% of students said that they “sometimes or always” struggle with organization. Therefore, we teachers surveyed our students to get advice about what works best for them. Our hope is that both students and parents will gain some valuable ideas from this list.

Ultimately, every student learns differently, and we fully accept that students need to build an organizational system that works for them. Each student may also adjust his or her methods over time, which is normal. But if organization skills are a challenge for your child, encourage him or her to browse these ideas and pick a few to try!

Welcome Back to Middle School!

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year! 

This blog is written by the middle school team of teachers in an effort to communicate more with both students and families. We hope to address topics specific to the middle school, including common questions and tips that will help every St. Brigid student succeed. It is a source in addition to the Wolfhound Wednesday and other hard-copy papers that are sent home.

If you're new to the blog, we invite you to:

• Bookmark this link and return often to see new weekly posts
• Sign up for the "Follow by Email" option, which brings new posts straight to your inbox

You might also like to browse some of last year's popular posts, including:

• Studying & Test-Taking Skills
• Tips to Prepare for Quizzes, Tests, and Exams
• Dress Code Basics (Or, What NOT to Wear)
• Tips for Pacing (and Finishing) AR Books

If you have any questions about the blog or wish to propose an idea for a post, please email any of the middle school teachers. 

Thank you for reading!

Tips to Prepare for Exams, Tests, and Quizzes

In a previous post, Mr. Mazon and Mrs. Hardin shared study skills and test-taking tips to help students prepare for assessments like quizzes, tests, or exams. 

We also asked other students and teachers for their best advice in a survey, and here’s what they said.

Dress Code Basics (Or, What NOT to Wear)

At this point in the school year, it's common for some of us to need a haircut, need to bring down a hemline, or need a little reminder of other dress code policies.

Check out the latest episode of What NOT to Wear, filmed with TV hosts Stacey and Clinton and two "new students", Chad and Brenda, at St. Brigid of Kildare!

Tips for Pacing (and Finishing) AR Books

Do you (or your child) have trouble meeting a point goal or finishing books in a timely manner?

Check out this 7-minute video from Mrs. Hardin and Ms. Chiavacci about using a pacing bookmark to help optimize your reading. It also contains helpful guidelines about how many fiction and non-fiction books should be read per month or per quarter...

Studying & Test-Taking Skills: Tips to Prepare for a Test (or Exam)

If you (or your child) could use assistance with study skills, preparing for a test, or even test-taking strategies, check out the two videos below.

Though these videos are primarily for students, parents are welcome to view them for ideas as well.

#1: Study Skills
Start with this 11-minute video by Mr. Mazon. It has tips that apply to ANY academic test or quiz, but are particularly timely for midterm and final exams.