Earn better grades this year!

Our kids are back in school now, with all the opportunities and challenges that new grades may bring.  Every new school year presents a fresh start and a new chance to avoid slipping into common problem areas that many students encounter at one time or another.
Want better grades this year? Knowing how to identify common school problems and how to avoid them helps students get on track to getting better grades.  Check out these Six Common Trouble Spots, and tips for how to avoid them, that all students should know about:
• Disorganization. Being disorganized is a major issue for many students. Whether it is a messy book bag, an unkempt locker, confusing notes, or sloppy handwriting, being disorganized makes it difficult for students to stay focused and achieve their potential.
• Homework. Like it or not, homework is a school reality. Avoiding it won’t make it go away. The sooner a student develops good homework habits, the easier it becomes. Put a homework strategy and schedule   together and stick with it.
• Study Skills. Most students don’t really know how to study and that is simply because proper study skills are rarely taught in school. To be effective, studying doesn’t have to take hours. Proper study skills reduce stress, cut down on study time, and help students during testing.
• Attendance. One of the easiest ways to get good grades is to show up – in body and in spirit. Missing class every now and again might not seem like a big deal, but a portion of a student’s grade usually comes from classroom participation - but students can’t participate if they are not there!  But just being there still isn’t enough – sitting at the back of the class waiting for learning to sink in doesn’t really count.  They must be engaged in the learning process – listening and thinking, asking and answering -  they must be active learners.
• Forgetting Work. Students shouldn’t rely on their memory to help them remember all their homework and assignments. Most schools provide students with their own agenda or planner to help keep track their work. Agendas also help students to remember important dates, plan extra curricular activities, and set goals.
• Get Help. If a student had trouble last year, chances are that the same problem will be an issue again this year. Don’t wait and see if the problem will arise again - get help now and get back on track. Whether it is a school subject like Math or English, or in a school skill like organization or study habits, outside help can solve problems once and for all.
  If you want to help your child avoid or over come any of these common school trouble spots call your local Oxford today, there are five in the Durham Region, or visit www.oxfordlearning.com.