First Coast Register August/September 2015 | Page 23

10 habits of successful students Opportunity International (www.opportunity.org) is a non-profit organization that serves clients in 28 countries, providing access to financial solutions empowering people living in poverty to transform their lives, their children’s futures and their communities. Opportunity offers these tips to students from every walk of life: Get Organized. Making a plan for what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it will make sure you’re always ahead of the curve - literally. Don’t multitask. Studies have shown that multitasking is physically impossible. Divide it up. Studying isn’t fun to begin with, and forcing yourself through a study marathon will only make it worse. Dividing your work into manageable chunks and rewarding yourself when you finish each chunk will make studying (more) fun. Sleep. Don’t underestimate the importance of those eight hours of zzz’s every night! Getting a good night’s rest will sharpen your focus and improve your working memory. Set a schedule. Do you work better right after school or after you’ve eaten dinner? Are you more productive in 90-minute blocks or half-hour spurts? Find a scheudle that works for you, and stick to it. Happy. Secure. Inspired. 1968 • Grades 4-12 • New Campus! • ADHD & LD • SACS Accredited • IEP & 504 Plan Scholarships Take notes. Taking notes will not only keep you more engaged during class, but will also help you narrow down what you need to study when exam time rolls around. It’s much easier to reread your notes than to reread your entire textbook! Study. This one might be obvious, but did you know that there’s a right and a wrong way to study? Review your material several days ahead of time, in small chunks, and in different manners ( for example, write flashcards one day and take practice tests the next). In other words, don’t cram. Manage your study space. Find a place that will maximize your productivity. Look for places away from the television and other distractions. Whether it’s your local library or just the desk in your bedroom, set aside a study space that you’ll want to spend time in. Find a study group. Sitting down with a group of people who are learning the same things as you is a great way to go over confusing class material or prepare for a big test. You can quiz each other, reteach material, and make sure that everyone is on the same page. After all, teaching someone else is the best way to learn. Ask questions. You’re in school to learn, so don’t be afraid to do just that! Asking for help - from a teacher, a tutor or your friends - is a surefire way to make sure you truly understand the material. BACK TO SCHOOL SESSION! AUGUST 24TH - OCTOBER 17TH • Since St. Johns Bluff 645-5366 Mandarin 448-1956 www. CenterAcademy.com $20 OFF MEMBERSHIP Tumble into School at TNT! $35 OFF NEW CLASSES STARTING THIS SESSION Coupons Valid at Back to School Bash in person on Saturday, August 15, 2015. Join us to save on your family membership & get priority registration for all classes. When paid in full. FAMILY MEMBERSHIP Coupons Valid at Back to School Bash in person on Saturday, August 15, 2015. Join us to save on your family membership & get priority registration for all classes. When paid - Ninja Gymnastics - Jazz, Ballet, & Acro Dance - Cheer & Cheer Tumbling 2683 St. Johns Bluff Road S #107 • 998-TNT1 (8681) • www.tntgymfit.com First Coast Register | August - September 2015 23