Confronting the first hardships of high school

Academic survival

Most classroom teachers in the last grades of elementary school talk to students about the demands of high-school courses and the hard work that lies ahead; they talk about the importance of having good work habits and of doing homework -- in fact, they hand out major assignments themselves. You can also help prepare your teens by talking about the following:

Ten steps to high school success

1. Use a calendar agenda or diary, so as not to miss an assignment or test because you forgot to write it down.

2. Be prepared for class by doing the reading assignments the night before. This makes it possible to follow the class discussion.

3. Listen actively in class. Focusing on what the teacher and other students say and participating in the discussion contribute to overall marks and reduce or help with follow-up homework.

4. Take notes. Concentrate on key concepts and key facts. Don't try to write down everything the teacher says. Listen to the point she's making; if it's an interesting variation on what you've read or a tip that helps you understand, jot it down. But for the basics, you can usually check the textbook for details.

5. Organize your notes. Date them; use a highlighter to emphasize definitions or important concepts; write down any questions you have about the subject so that you can ask them in class.

6. Ask questions if you don't understand. It's too easy to let a question go and miss an important concept. Asking questions as well as answering them demonstrate your interest and give your teachers opportunities to expand on topics that may also puzzle other students.

7. Learn to manage your time. Set aside enough time to get your homework done or to study for a big test. Tell friends not to phone during your "study period." When you've finished your work, reward yourself with a phone call or a game.

8. Set up a study space. Don't waste time hunting down a calculator or searching for an eraser. Gather up all the supplies you need and keep them in an easy-to-reach box. If you can't create any other space and the kitchen table becomes your work table, choose a study time that doesn't bump into meal preparation.

9. Make a friend in every class. If you're sick and miss a class, call your buddy in English class and find out what the teacher covered while you were away.

10. Never pull an all-nighter for a test. No one is at his best when he works through the night and tries to write a test or exam without adequate sleep. Be fair to yourself and set aside enough time to study or write that essay.