Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Get Organized
• Part 2 of 4: Participate in the lesson
• Part 3 of 4: Make the learning process productive
• Part 4 of 4: Take care of yourself

The transition of students from primary school to secondary school is rightly considered a difficult period. The emergence of a large number of new teachers creates a lot of difficulties, since each of them has their own requirements for students. In secondary school, the curriculum becomes more complex, new subjects appear and, accordingly, the volume of homework increases. You will have to do assignments in several subjects every day. Also, be prepared for long-term projects like presentations or abstracts. All this will take you a lot of time, for example, several days or even weeks. However, if you control the learning process, break down large assignments into smaller ones, and ask for help when needed, your academic performance will remain high.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Get Organized

1. 1 Use a diary. Get a planner that you can use all year round. Write down everything that you need to do during the day in it. You can divide it into several parts, separately recording school assignments and chores that need to be done around the house. Also, write down important dates, such as birthdays of friends and loved ones, holidays, and school events. If you don't have a planner, get one.
   • Be sure to write down your homework after each lesson.
   • Write down all events related to your social life in your diary! Thanks to this, you will not miss school New Year's Eve and will be able to complete your homework in advance.
   • Make a to-do list. After you complete what you planned, mark that the task is complete.
2. 2 Use a separate folder for each item. You can use a folder with several compartments, or have a separate small folder for each item. Store the material for each lesson in the space provided for it. Otherwise, you may lose something important.
   • Select the binder folder for the files. If you accidentally drop the folder, you will not lose your documents, as they will remain in the files.
   • If you have a habit of stuffing folders with different papers, use a plastic folder with several compartments. This will keep your documents in order and you won't have to waste time arranging them.
3. 3 Take all the supplies you need. In high school, you will have new subjects and will have to bring more textbooks with you. In addition, classes are likely to be held in different classrooms, so remind yourself each morning of what supplies you need to bring. Check your backpack to see if you have taken all the necessary accessories.
   • Choose a different color for each item. Use a color-coded sticker or cover to mark the supplies used in each lesson.
   • If you don't like the idea of ​​different colors, wrap textbooks, notebooks, and other materials in paper, depending on the subject for which they are intended.
4. 4 Organize your folders, backpack, and desk regularly. Go through your documents once or twice a week and remove those you no longer need. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to find what you really need. Do not throw away the sheets with assignments that you still need to complete or turn in.
   • If you are not sure if you need a specific assignment sheet, you can ask your teacher.

Part 2 of 4: Participate in the lesson

1. 1 Meet all the teachers. In elementary school, you most likely had only one teacher, and your teacher only had one class. In high school, you will have different teachers, and each of them will probably have at least 100 students. Your grades will be higher if you can find common ground with each teacher.
   • Pay attention to the moments when teachers talk about themselves.
   • Entering the classroom, greet the teachers, while looking into their eyes (not intently, of course, but affably). Remember to say goodbye after class.
2. 2 Choose a seat at the beginning of the class. When choosing a seat, give preference to the first school desk in the middle row, as close to the teacher as possible. This is one of the proven ways to get high grades in the classroom.
   • You will hear and see the teacher better and will not miss anything in the lesson.
   • It will also make it easier for you to stay focused and avoid distractions.
3. 3 Participate in the discussion in the lesson. Ask questions. Also, answer the questions the teacher asks. Don't try to dominate the discussion, but try to speak when you have something to say. Listen to your classmates and respond politely if you disagree or want to add something.
   • By participating in the discussion, you can focus on the material. In addition, the teacher will see that you are attentive in the lesson.
   • Are you shy? Challenge yourself to answer at least once during the lesson! Believe it or not, very soon you will not only become a habit, but also start to like it.
4. 4 Take notes in the lesson. As you listen to your teacher, write down the main points. Always write the date at the top of the page. If you are discussing a specific text or chapter from a textbook, be sure to write it down.
   • Write down any questions that arise, find answers to them, and write them down as well.
   • If you have a question you cannot answer, raise your hand and ask the teacher.
   • If your teacher is repeating a word or phrase, this is most likely important information to pay attention to. Be sure to write it down.
   • When taking notes, don't write too much. Otherwise, you may lose important information to remember.

Part 3 of 4: Make the learning process productive

1. 1 Determine your ideal homework schedule. Choose a study area and keep it clean. If you feel comfortable in your chosen location, your homework will be more enjoyable. Try to do your homework at the same time every day. For example, you can come home, rest for half an hour, and then start completing assignments. Choose the most convenient time to complete your homework. Experiment.
   • For example, imagine that you have come home from school and feel energized. Why not take up homework? This is the perfect time to study. Are you coming home and feeling very tired? Perhaps, in this case, it is better to rest and then get to work. Evening time may be best for you.
2. 2 Divide your work time into shorter intervals. It may not be difficult for you to stay focused for 45 minutes.Instead of trying to get all the work done in one go, take 15 minute breaks every 45 minutes. Try not to get distracted while studying. If you feel like your thoughts are wandering and you are losing attention, tell yourself sternly, "Wait until the break!"
   • Make sure to take breaks, even if you haven't finished all the work you plan to do.
   • Get up from your seat and walk around during your break.
3. 3 Study the material in parts. If you have a lot of information to learn, break it down into several parts. For example, if you need to learn 20 new German words, split the list into several parts. Learn a few words at a time.
   • If you need to prepare for an exam or important test, break the material into several parts and create a timetable. Set aside 20–45 minutes daily for several weeks.
   • Never cram material before an exam or test! This is a time for a good rest, but not for cramming.
4. 4 Remember to do long-term assignments. Unlike elementary school, in high school you will have tasks that take a long time to complete. In addition, from time to time you will have control and independent work, the results of which will be reflected in your grade in the subject. Mark in your diary what projects and tasks you need to complete and in what time frame. Also, write down what you need to do each day to complete assignments on time.
   • For example, if you need to write an abstract, you may need to spend one day in the library to gather the information you need, devote the next day to writing a plan, and then spend one to two hours every day for the remainder of the week writing draft and final drafts.

Part 4 of 4: Take care of yourself

1. 1 Seek help if you do not understand the material. If you cannot do your homework because you do not understand the material, ask your parents to hire a tutor or explain difficult information to you. Most high school students need help with their homework. If you do not fully understand the topic that the teacher was explaining during the lesson, approach him at recess and ask questions. If you experience bullying or violent behavior from students, report it to the teacher or principal.
   • If you feel like you’re not doing well and are feeling depressed, tell your parents or talk to a school counselor. You will feel better!
   • Studying in high school is a difficult period that is associated with great changes. Seek help to get through this difficult phase in your life.
2. 2 Make friends with new boys and girls. Strange advice ?! Not really. Friends can positively influence your grades. Feeling lonely at school will make it difficult to focus on your studies and negatively affect your grades. The number of friends does not matter - the main thing is that you feel comfortable and pleasant with these people.
   • Go to clubs and clubs that suit your interests. You will have the opportunity to meet people with similar interests.
   • Chat with classmates who are sitting next to you. Do it during recess.
   • If you treat your classmates well, but at the same time take into account your interests, you are more likely to find friends who appreciate you.
3. 3 Exercise to improve concentration. Take physical education classes at school. If possible, take part in team sports or dance. Playing sports will have a positive effect on your studies. Try to move more in your daily life. It will be easier for you to focus on your work. Drive on recess!
   • When you can't concentrate on your studies, try walking.Take a walk, jump on a trampoline, or do some push-ups.
   • Do not overdo it! If you study too hard, you will quickly get tired and will not have the strength to keep going.
4. 4 Eat right. The brain must receive all the nutrients it needs. Your daily diet should consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, take healthy snacks to school with you so you can refresh yourself during recess! Bring nuts, fruit, yogurt, cheese, or hummus with you. Strive to ensure that your daily diet is balanced. It should be composed of the main food groups. Avoid fast food and drink plenty of water.
   • Include Protein and Healthy Fats in Your Diet! Meat, fish, and beans are healthy brain nutrients that can help you focus.
   • Eat colorful vegetables every day. Greens, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers are healthy and tasty foods.
   • Include whole grains in your diet, such as popcorn, whole grain breads, and brown rice. These are good sources of energy. If you are constantly feeling hungry, eating these foods will make you feel full.
   • Promote bone health by including low-fat cheese, yogurt and milk in your diet.
   • Eat candy or soda only on rare occasions.
5. 5 Make sure you have a good night's rest. You need to get a minimum of 9 hours of sleep every night. However, it is best if you sleep for 11 hours. Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Your room should be comfortable and dark enough. Do not use electronic devices before bed. The screens of smartphones and other electronic devices emit blue light, which interferes with a quality night's rest.
   • Get enough sleep before exams and tests. While you sleep, your brain will process the information you receive.