How should I study?

Many 6th graders have difficulty knowinghow to study. In fact, this may be the first year you’ve ever had to study. The truth is that everyone studies a little differently. The trick is finding which study strategy works best for you. You may have to try a few, or several until you find what works. Below are several different ways to study and I’ve highlighted my favorite for 6th graders.

Helpful hints:

  • Don’t wait until the last minute! Research shows that students retain more information if they study in smaller increments of time versus studying for hours the night before. Example: Mrs. Lockhart always gives you a week’s notice before a test. Therefore, begin studying 10-20 minutes per night until the big day 
  • Simply reading over your notes is not effective for MOST kids. Instead, do something active while learning such as reading aloud or creating flash cards.
  • Find a comfortable (but not too comfortable) place that is quiet and free from distractions. Some kids benefit from studying while listening to music, but TV is never a good idea.
  • practice with flashcards
  • ask someone to quiz you
  • highlight your notes
  • summarize
  • read your notes aloud;(I used to pretend I was a news reporter when reading my notes. Yes, it’s a little embarrassing, but it worked for me)
  • Get organized so you are working with everything you need
  • outline or make a graphic version of written work (lists, columns, Venn diagrams, etc.)
  • do a project or create a game
  • quiz yourself
  • write memory work over and over until you feel confident
  • use a worksheet as a quiz by covering over the answers and re-doing it
  • look over old quizzes and try to figure out why you're making mistakes
  • look over the returned assignments for the unit
  • answer study guide questions (if available)
  • Teach the material to someone else. You can even teach it to your dog if no one is available!
  • Rewrite your notes
  • Create your own test and give it to a family member. Don’t forget to make a key and give them a grade!
  • look up the parts of the assignments that you didn't understand the first time
  • Create mnemonic devices or acronyms when memorizing specific information