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Monday, August 30, 2010

Something to Hold

Recently, when my family returned from vacation, I explained to my daughter what souvenir means- to remember.  We bring something with us when we return from vacation so that we can remember the fun we had and the place we visited.  We treasure souvenirs because they are things we can hold that represent a time and place that exists in our memory. 

Teachers know the value of "something we can hold" and the link to memory.  We distribute handouts and encourage students to work with manipulatives

As the new school year begins, students from this summer's Tiny Schoolhouse will be called upon to remember the lessons that we learned, from grammar and phonics to basic study skills that lead to classroom success and confidence.

Remembering all they learned will be difficult in the face of the pressures a new school year brings- adjusting to a new teacher and classroom, meeting new classmates, managing the long school day and the demands of after school activities. 

At the end of these early days of the year, when it is still hot out and students are already starting the countdown to the first vacation, it is easy to slip into old habits- ignoring homework assignments, succumbing to classroom distractions, fear of failure. 

To encourage my students to continue their path to academic success I am giving them something to hold, a basic Study Skills Guide with tips on the most important (and most often forgotten) skills including:
  • Keeping a neat notebook
  • Listening and participating
  • Working as a team member in the classroom
  • Following directions
  • Managing homework assignments
  • Making study sheets
  • Using class notes to study
  • Staying confident
  • Doing well

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