How to Do Well in School

When you want to start buckling down in school to improve your grades, you'll discover that it only takes a few good habits to get you on the right track. Try these strategies to do well in school and reduce your stress while doing it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Study everyday, even when your teacher hasn't assigned homework. You can still review concepts you learned in class, practice spelling and vocabulary or read books to improve your comprehension skills.
2. Start working on projects as soon as you get the assignment. Although you have a month to complete your report on missions, for example, you'll do well if you take the time to research your location, outline the written report and plan the artwork. Then complete it a little each night rather than rushing 2 days before the deadline.
3. Make it a rule to complete school work before you turn on the television, cell phone, video games or computer. Concentrate while you're studying, then play during the remaining time before bed.
4. Enlist your parents to help you review for tests. They can help you practice with flash cards, devise reading comprehension or sample math questions, administer spelling tests and proofread essays and projects.
5. Ask your teachers for extra credit if you do poorly on a test. If you consistently struggle with your weekly reading test, for example, ask to take your book home to read the story each night rather than just on Thursday.
6. Continue studying on weekends and holiday breaks. If your state testing falls in the spring, it's a good idea to review concepts from earlier in the year. It's also helpful to review in the summer or buy workbooks to help you prepare for the upcoming school year.

Tips & Warnings

• Get plenty of sleep at night and eat a balanced breakfast in the morning so you'll be awake and alert in school to complete tests, listen to lectures and take effective notes. Arrive in class prepared with the proper books, tools and attitude ready to learn.