Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Having everything in order
• Part 2 of 4: Participate in the classroom
• Part 3 of 4: Studying effectively
• Part 4 of 4: Taking care of yourself

Going to high school is a big change, but it doesn't have to be a problem. A big change is that you will have many different teachers and you will be doing homework for the various subjects every day. Another change is that you will be given assignments, such as papers and speaking engagements, that may take days or weeks to complete. If you keep track of your work and break it down into smaller units and ask for help when you are struggling with something, your grades will definitely improve.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Having everything in order

1. Use an agenda. Buy a weekly diary that you can use for the whole year. Write down what to do every day. You can keep some free for homework and tasks. Make note of important dates as well, such as holidays, birthdays and school events. If you don't have an agenda yet, buy it at a bookstore!
   • Make sure to write your homework in it after each lesson.
   • Also write your social obligations in your diary! That way you avoid planning a study night on the day you would go to a party.
   • Make to-do lists. Check off the things you have done.
2. Use separate folders for each course. You can use a binder with tabs, or several small folders for each subject. However you do this, keep track of your work for each course separately. If you mix everything up, you will get confused.
   • Choose a system to keep all your papers together, such as a spiral binder. That way you won't lose anything if you drop a folder.
   • If you tend to stuff all your papers into folders, use a binder with plastic sleeves. This allows you to keep the papers in place without having to put them in order every time.
3. Bring the correct supplies to class. When you start high school, it may take you a while to get used to going to multiple classrooms, each of which requires different books. Every day, and after lunch, remind yourself of the courses that follow that day, and make sure you bring the right stuff in your bag.
   • Give each box a color. Put a sticker or cover on or around each of the materials you need for that box.
   • If color is not your thing, cover your books, exercise books and other stuff in different paper, depending on the subject it is for.
4. Clean folders, your backpack and your desk regularly. Go through all of your papers once a week or every two weeks and get rid of the papers you no longer need. Unnecessary clutter makes it difficult for you to find the papers you need. Make sure you don't throw anything away that you have yet to turn in or that you have yet to study.
   • If you do not know whether you will still need certain materials, ask your teacher.

Part 2 of 4: Participate in the classroom

1. Get to know all your teachers. In elementary school, you probably had one teacher, and your teacher probably had one class of students. In high school, you may have as many as seven teachers who teach more than 100 students. Your grades may improve if you don't mind talking to your teachers.
   • Pay attention when the teacher tells things about himself.
   • Unless a teacher is busy, make eye contact and say hello to the teacher when you enter the class. Also, say goodbye to the teacher when class is over.
2. Sit in the front. Sit in the front, in the middle of the class, and as close to the teacher as possible. This is a proven method to get better grades for a course.
   • You will hear and see things better and not miss anything.
   • You will be more attentive.
3. Participate in discussions. Ask questions and answer questions your teacher asks. Don't try to dominate a discussion, but do speak up when you have something to say. Listen to your classmates and respond politely when you disagree or want to add something.
   • You will pay more attention when you participate, and the teacher will know that you are paying attention.
   • If you are shy, challenge yourself by raising your finger at least once during each class.
4. Take notes during class. Write down the main points in your notebook that the teacher covers. Always put the date at the top of the page. If you are discussing a particular text or chapter in a textbook, make a note of it as well.
   • Write down questions during class and write down the answers as they come up.
   • If you have a question that you don't know the answer to, raise your finger and ask the teacher.
   • If the teacher is repeating a word or phrase, it is probably important. Write it down.
   • Don't take too many notes. If you write everything down, you do not pay attention to what information is given.

Part 3 of 4: Studying effectively

1. Find your own ideal homework routine. Provide a study area, and keep it tidy and pleasant. If you enjoy sitting there, you will enjoy doing your homework a lot more. Make it a habit to do your homework every day. For example, you come home, relax for half an hour and start your assignments. Experiment in the beginning to see what works best for you.
   • For example, do you come home from school full of energy? Then this might be a great time to study. Are you tired when you get home and only regain some energy after dinner? As long as you don't stay up too long, you may be better off studying in the evening.
2. Variety in your working hours. You can probably concentrate well for about 45 minutes, or maybe a little less. Instead of wanting to finish all your work at once, schedule a 15-minute break every 45 minutes. If you focus completely on your work: if you notice that your attention is drifting, tell yourself, "Wait until the break!"
   • Always take a break, even if you haven't been able to do as much as you hoped.
   • Stand up and get some exercise during your breaks.
3. Study the material in blocks. If you have to study a lot of new material, divide it into blocks. For example, if you need to learn 20 words of German, divide that list into parts of speech and learn a few words at a time.
   • Divide the material you need to learn for an important test into blocks, and make a study schedule. Try to study for 20-45 minutes every day for several weeks.
   • Never block for an exam! Just try to get some rest the night before a test.
4. Keep track of your assignments for the longer term in your agenda. Unlike elementary school, in high school you have the responsibility to work on papers and speaking engagements for a certain period of time. You may also receive tests that make up a large part of your grade. Plan for large assignments by writing down reminders in your calendar in the weeks before you have to submit your assignments. Write down what you should have done every day to prepare well.
   • For example, for an important paper, you might need to do research in the library on one day, create a text outline on another, and then spend an hour or two for the rest of the week writing a draft and final text.

Part 4 of 4: Taking care of yourself

1. Ask for help if you can't get it out or become depressed. If you can't get through your homework, ask your parents if you can get tutoring or to explain things to you. Most high school students need a little help with homework. If you find yourself getting lost at school, talk to your teacher after class. If you are bullied, tell a teacher or report it to the head of the school.
   • If you feel unhappy or as if nothing is fun anymore, talk about it with your parents, or ask if you can talk to a (school) psychologist. It can help you feel better!
   • Everyone has a hard time with big changes. Ask for help to get you through the tough times.
2. Make friends. This doesn't seem to have anything to do with this, but that's not right! Friends have a significant effect on your average grade. If you feel completely alone at school, it will be harder for you to concentrate during lessons and it will be harder for you to get good grades. There is no right or wrong number of friends to have: the point is to know at least some people who enjoy hanging out with you, and who make you feel safe and happy.
   • Join an association for a hobby you really enjoy and get to know people who share your interests.
   • Talk to people you sit next to in class before and after class.
   • If you are friendly with classmates, but also take good care of yourself, chances are you will eventually find friends who appreciate you.
3. Exercise to improve your focus. Play sports in and out of school. Join a sports club, dance or run. Exercise helps you perform better in school. Look for ways to exercise during school days so you can focus on your work. Get moving during the breaks!
   • If you can't focus on your studies, get moving for a while. Take a brisk walk through the neighborhood, go trampolining or do some push-ups.
   • Don't over-train yourself! If you keep training until you get tired, you will have no energy left to study.
4. Eat well to energize your brain. Eat your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bring snacks to school so you don't get hungry between classes! As snacks you can take nuts, fruit and packets of yogurt, cheese or humus with you. Eat foods from all groups every day. Preferably skip fast food and make sure you drink plenty of water.
   • Eat proteins and healthy fats! Meat, fish, and beans are all brain foods and help you focus.
   • Try to eat colorful vegetables every day. Leafy greens, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers are all healthy and delicious.
   • Eat whole grains such as popcorn, bread, and rice. They give you energy. If you are always hungry then these are sure to make you feel full.
   • Take care of your bones by drinking cheese, yogurt and low-fat milk.
   • Only eat some sweets and soft drinks as a special treat.
5. Recharge yourself every night with a good night's sleep. You need at least nine hours of sleep every night, but preferably 11. Go to bed around the same time every night. Make sure your room is neat and dark, and don't look at screens before going to sleep.
   • Get a full night's sleep when you study for a test. Your brain processes the information you have studied while you sleep.