Avoiding Homework Problems

I left my homework at home! How many times have you said this? It’s a terrible feeling to know you’re going to get a failing grade on homework after you actually did the work. It seems so unfair!
There are ways to prevent this dilemma and others, but you must be willing to prepare ahead of time to save yourself from future headaches. The most important thing you can do to avoid a dilemma like this is to establish a strong routine.
Once you form a strong, consistent homework pattern, you will avoid many of the big problems, like leaving a perfectly good assignment at home.

1. Establish a Homework Base

Does your homework have a home? Is there a special place where you always put your paperwork each night? To avoid forgetting your homework, you must establish a strong homework routine with a special homework station where you work each night.
Then you must get in the habit of putting your homework where it belongs right after you finish it, whether this is in a special folder on your desk or in your backpack.
One idea it to put the completed assignment in your backpack and leave the backpack right beside the door.

2. Buy a Homework Bell
This is one of those ideas that sounds silly, but it really works!

Go to a business supply store and find a counter bell, like those you see on store counters. Place this bell in the homework station and work it into your homework routine. Each night once all the homework is completed and in its proper place (like your backpack), give the bell a ring.

The ringing of the bell will let everyone know that you (and your siblings) are ready for the next school day. The bell will become a familiar sound, and one that your family will recognize as an official end to homework time.

3. Use Your Email

Email is a great invention for writers. Each and every time you write an essay or other assignment on the computer, you should get in the habit of sending yourself a copy via email. This can be a real lifesaver!
Simply open your email as soon as you finish your document, then send yourself a copy by attachment. You’ll be able to access this assignment from anywhere. If you forget it—no problem. Just go to the library, open, and print.

4. Home Fax Machine

The fax machine can be another lifesaver. These contraptions have become very affordable lately, and they can come in quite handy for parents as well as students in a time of crisis. If ever you forget an assignment, you might be able to call home and have a parent or sibling fax your assignment to the school office.
It may be a good time to talk with your parents about investing in a home fax machine if you don’t have one already. It’s worth a try!

5. Put a Checklist by the Door

Try putting a checklist somewhere conspicuous where you and/or your parents will see it each morning. Include homework, lunch money, personal items—anything you need each day. Remember, it’s the routine that makes this work.
Be creative! You can put a checklist by the front door, or perhaps you prefer someplace more interesting. Why not place a sticky note on the back of your cereal box each time you open a new one?
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/timemanagement/tp/forgot.htm
 

Stress

Manage Stress Day by Day

Stress management is important for performing at your peak mentally, physically, and emotionally.  Control your stress through a healthy lifestyle and the right attitude. 

1. Let go of unrealistic expectations of yourself and others.  Not everything has to be perfect.
2. Simplify your schedule.  Say "no" when you can to events and requests that ad extra stress.
3. Learn to be flexible.  Accept that you can't control every aspect of life.
4. Get plenty of sleep-it recharges both your body and your mind.
5. Make time for relaxation every day.  Go for a stroll, take a bubble bath, work on a hobby, or play games with family or friends.  Do something that you enjoy.
6. Learn to unwind in healthy ways-through music, meditation, stretching, or exerise.

 

Success

Good habits make great people.

Goal Setting

Don't waste today, it is THE present.

Procrastination

When you get a large project be sure to break it down into smaller pieces. 
List all of the things you need to do for the assignment and then list them according to their importance. 
Figure out how many days you have until it is due. 
Then write down which piece of the assignment you are going to do on each day.

For example:
7 days until the two page research paper on Africa is due
Day 1- Go to the library and search internet sites for information
Day 2- Find a book at the school library for more information
Day 3- Start typing the first draft of the assignment
Day 4- Have mom proofread assignment
Day 5- Fix any of the errors mom found and proofread it myself
Day 6- Ask the teacher any final questions I have on the assignment
Day 7- Turn it in

Procrastination is bad for your health.  It can lead to stress, frustration, anger, anxiety, and ultimately poor communication.  Don't do it!!!

Organization for Students

Organization at Home
Now, let's be honest, teens are not the cleanest creatures on the planet.  Their room signifies what's happening in their brain- a lot of construction!  So, if you want to help your teen be organized start by simplifying.  Many of us hang on to things that we don't need.  If something is special to the teen and you think it is junk, challenge them to display it somewhere on a shelf in their room where it has value. 
Take pictures:  if something is hard to let go of and necessary to do so, take a picture of it to help them remember it and retire it to the garbage or goodwill. 
 "The teacher said I need to keep all my assignments!!!"
Many teachers do ask that a student keeps the things they turn in.  However, when the grade is in and the term is over, it is high time to get rid of it.  If the student is worried that it will carry over to the next term, put the work in a box and leave it in a closet.

Studying Space:
This area should be free of clutter and distraction.  The room should be free of radios, televisions, ipods, computer games, phones, etc. 
Soft music is permitted and sometimes even helpful if the student is prone to an audio style of learning.
A comfortable chair and clean desk or workspace.
A space with bright lights.
Supplies are within reach.
It smells pleasant enough to concentrate.

Process the thought: Where do you currently study?  does it meet the above criteria?  what would be a better place to study?  is there a public library or other options for having some quiet study time?  Can you stay after school with an adult in their classroom?

What are students thinking about?
Do we really want to know half the time?  Not really, what we need to teach them is how to stay focused on the task at hand.  Write the assignments down in a planner, a notebook, a tracking sheet, or on a white board in their locker (I used to write it on my hand.  It made my mom nuts, but it worked for me!). 
The locker:
Has the school locker turned into a cosmic phenomenom?  Do items disappear never to be seen again?
Get a locker shelf- if you have a full-height locker get an additional shelf for the bottom that will help keep it more organized.
Use baskets- the dollar stores often carry containers that can be used in a locker for extra pens, pencils and other supplies.
Take time to clean the locker out.  It will be worth the five minutes.

The backpack:
Often, students carry more than they need to in their backpack.  This creates confusion, stress, and unwanted time when trying to be organized.  Be sure that you clean out old assignments.  You can keep a basket at home where older assignments can be stored in case they are needed again. 

The Binders:
Middle School and Junior High students often have more than 6 or seven classes.  THEY NEED MORE THAN ONE BINDER!!!  These supplies can often be found at any supermarket or office supply store.  Use dividers and a pencil pouch to help the student be prepared.  Some classes may be able to share a binder.  BE SURE TO READ THE TEACHER'S DISCLOSURE!!! 

Believe in Yourself

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."-Ghandi