April 1 - 5

Study Tips & Study Skills

Students with better study methods and strategies score higher on their exams.  Everyone is different. Different methods work for different people; the following are only suggestions on improving upon your current studying techniques.

It is best to review the material right after class when it's still fresh in your memory.

Don't try to do all your studying the night before the test. Instead space out your studying, review class materials at least several times a week, focusing on one topic at a time.

Have all of your study material in front of you:  notes, textbooks, study guides and any other relevant material.

Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with good lighting and little distractions (try avoiding your own bed; it is very tempting to just lie down and take a nap).

Start out by studying the most important information.

Learn the general concepts first, don't worry about learning the details until you have learned the main ideas.

Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as you read through your study material.

Take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the information that you study at the beginning and the end better than what you study in the middle.

Space out your studying, you'll learn more by studying a little every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute. By studying every day, the material will stay in your long-term memory but if you try to study at the last moment, the material will only reside in your short-term memory that you'll easily forget.

Make sure that you understand the material well, don't just read through the material and try to memorize everything.

If you choose to study in a group, only study with others who are serious about the test.

Test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find out what your weak and strong areas are. You can use the review questions at the end of each chapter, practice tests that the teacher may give out or other pertinent materials.

Listening to relaxing music such as classical or jazz on a low volume can relieve some of the boredom of studying.

Don't study later than the time you usually go to sleep, you may fall asleep or be tempted to go to sleep, instead try studying in the afternoon or early evening. If you are a morning person try studying in the morning.

March 25 - March 29

Spring Break Activities

Here are some great ideas for family fun and activities during spring break!

Spring vacation is a great time for families to recharge, get ready for the home stretch of the school year, and have some fun with activities. Whether you’re planning to take it easy at home during spring break or take a fun family trip, here are some great ideas for spring break activities to do with your kids.

1. Have Fun with Spring Crafts
There’s something about springtime that inspires one to create fun and colorful creations out of spring crafts ideas. (Maybe it’s all that renewal and rebirth going on around us that stokes the creative soul.) These spring crafts for kids are perfect for when you’re enjoying some downtime during spring vacation. Check out these spring crafts ideas for inspiration and instructions.

2. Have a Fun Family Picnic
What better way to spend a beautiful warm day outside than to go on a fun family picnic? Just pack up a basket with yummy and healthy picnic food and tote along some fun games and toys. Your family is sure to have a terrific, relaxing and joyful day together. The best part: Your kids will be so exhausted at the end of the fun day that they’ll probably go to bed without much ado!

3. Decorate Easter Eggs
One of the most fun things about Easter is decorating Easter eggs. Grade-schoolers can really get creative coming up with designs and using their imaginations to create fun and beautiful Easter eggs. Whether you use boiled or blown-out eggs or create fun Easter egg creatures or lovely works of art, your child will love working with you to make wonderful Easter eggs he can be proud of.

4. Make Yummy Easter Cookies
Another way to unleash your child’s inner artist is by using sugar cookies as a palette to make beautiful Easter eggs, bunnies, spring flowers, and more. All you need are some sugar cookies in Easter shapes, pastel icing, and some imagination!

5. Create a Beautiful Garden with Your Children
One great idea for spring break activities to do with your kids is to plant a garden. Grade-schoolers love digging in dirt, and they love the sense of accomplishment and pride that can come from creating something with their hard work. So find some growing space in your back yard or a planter and give your kid a spade. Let him get to work helping you plant flowers and veggies. Gardening can be a great opportunity for you and your child to spend some time together. Your child will take pride in his green thumb as he watches his garden grow. When it’s harvest time, you can make a salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and other veggies grown in your own garden!

6. Take a Family Trip
If you’re planning to get out of dodge during spring vacation, check out these tips and ideas for how to have a great family trip. Whether you’re planning to drive to a nearby town or jet off to another state or country, do a little research to find essential tips on finding family-friendly destinations and must-have travel games and other distractions to keep kids occupied during the trip.

Adapted from Katherine Lee, About.com