Friday, November 30, 2012

Sticky Notes Reading Strategy



Sticky notes are amazing.  They come in all shapes, sizes and colors.  They can also be a valuable tool when you are trying to understand what you read.

Put sticky notes on the text as you are reading.  

Use them for :
Definitions -Define words in the text with which you are unfamiliar.
Sum-ups - Write down what just happened.  For example, "George just stole cookies from the cookie jar."
Predictions - Guess what will happen next in the story.  For example, "George may get grounded if his parents find out."
Questions - Write down what you are wondering.  For example, "What does 'justice' mean?"  Or, "I don't understand this part."
Connections -  
Text-to-self - Compare a character or an event to yourself.  For example, "I stole a cookie once."

Text-to-text - Compare a character or an event to another book.  For example, "This reminds me of how Stanley got in trouble for stealing in Holes."

Text-to-world - Compare a character or an event to what might be going on in the world.  For example, "People steal other people's things in the real world, too."

Text-to-media - Compare a character or an event to movies, TV, computer games, video games etc.  For example, George reminds me of the character from "Dennis the Menace."  

This information was found at Susan Parker's Reading Strategies Page. Head over there for more tips.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Study Skills Check-Up



When you go to a doctor they run a series of tests to see if you are in good health.  Try running the following test on your study skills to see if your running in top shape



If you answered Seldom or Sometimes to any of the points in the test what can you do to improve your score?

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Nightly Organization Checklist



Before you go to bed at night take a moment to do the following:


  • ·         Check your assignment book.   
  •       Make sure you finish assignments that are due the next day
  •       Pack your schoolbag after you finish your homework
  •       Get your clothes ready for the morning

Monday, November 26, 2012

Make Time for Homework



  • ·         Set up a special homework time each day

  • ·         Make sure you are working in a quiet space with plenty of light and the correct supplies

  • ·         Do not take phone calls from friends

  • ·         Ask family members not to disturb you