Middle school is recognized by most authorities as a crucial period in a student's life. You are at the point where schoolwork is becoming more difficult, and your grades are being counted on your official transcript. These factors alone are formidable, but classwork is also becoming more involved and more abstract. It is very important that you develp good study skills that effecitvely help you learn new information. Many students don't know how to study. They sit in thier room with the radio blaring and read over thier notes, again and again. Ten minutes later their parents ask if they've studied for the big test and thier answer is....Yes. Hummmm I don't think so. One of the questions I get asked the most by students is "I don't understand this stuff, how can I get better grades?"

Heres what you need to do!

1. Figure out what kind of learner you are. There are lots of sites on the web to help you decide.

2. Set aside a regular period of time EVERY night to study or review notes. At the middle school level it should be a minimum of 40 min. per night. The type of learner you are determines HOW you should study. For example if you are a kinesthetic learner you might need to write out a "pretend" test or make note card questions. If you are an auditory learner you may need to hear the information by reading aloud to yourself or by having someone else read it to you.

3. Pay attention in class and ask lots of questions.

4. Use the assignment log faithfully!! With six teachers you need to stay organized and the only way you will remember everything is to write it all down.

Homework Hints

• Assume that your children will have studying to do every night.

• Ask your children if they understand their homework. If they do not, work a few examples together.

• Ask your children to show you their homework after the teacher returns it, to learn where they're having trouble and where they're doing well. See if your children did the work correctly.

• Stay in touch with your children's teachers. Ask about their classes and what they are studying. Ask their teachers how you can support what they are studying (flash cards, spelling, etc.).

• Remember, you and their teachers want the same thing — to help your children learn.

• Don't be afraid to get in touch with the teacher if you and your child don't understand an assignment or if your child is having a great deal of trouble. Almost all parents run into these problems, and teachers are glad to help.

• Don't do your children's work for them. Help them learn how to do it themselves.

• Show your children that you think homework is important. If you are at work during homework time, ask to see their work when you get home.

• Praise your children for doing well. Make praise a habit.

• Maintain a portfolio of "best pieces."

• Ask your school about tips or guides for helping your children develop good study habits.

• Help older students organize their assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates, dates turned in, etc.

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This guide is a joint project of NEA and National PTA.