Student Planner 2013-14 - Pinkerton Academy

STUDY SKILLSBefore you study, prioritize the assignments on your weekly calendar. Once an assignment is completed, cross it out.The next time you study, you can reprioritize your list to include new assignments. Using the following tips, you’ll getmore out of your classes, get more done in less time, and have extra free time.WHERE & HOW TO STUDY• Find a quiet place to study to help you focus on your homework. Listening to the radio or television will onlydistract you from you studies.• It is easy to get sleepy sitting in a soft chair or lying on your bed. Sit in a straight-backed chair. A well-lit areawill make it easier to read and will keep you alert. Open a window for fresh air. Always study in the same place.• Make a study kit to store your supplies. This way you will be using your time for homework, not looking forsupplies. Include a dictionary, calculator, ruler, pens, pencils, erasers, paper, paper clips, note cards, andhighlighters.• Keep your workplace organized and clean.READING TO LEARNTo get as much out of your reading as possible, think about what you are reading. If the section is hard to understand,stop after a few paragraphs and summarize what you’ve read, either out loud or in your notes. If this is difficult, readthe section more slowly; look up words you don’t understand.• Before reading a textbook assignment, read review questions, looking for the answers while you read. This willhelp you focus.• Grasp the context of what you’re reading from groups of words rather than each word by itself• Don’t follow words with your finger. It will slow you down and make it harder to understand the material.• Read a variety of materials. The more you read, the easier and more enjoyable reading will become. See thePinkerton Academy website for the reading list for those who don’t like to read. It is found in the specialeducation department section.• For some readers, listening to a book on tape and following along in a book is helpful.• Write a summary of the material in your own words. Glancing back at the notes will help you remember.• Look at accompanying photos, charts, maps, and illustrations to help you understand the material.LISTENING & NOTE TAKING1. Use abbreviations and symbols to speed up your writing. Keep your system simple so you can quicklyunderstand your notes. Example: w/ = with2. Listen for what is important. Teachers will often indicate what information you should record and concentrateon. Listen for these phrases:• “This is important.”• “Listen to what I am saying.”• “Because of this…”• “Let’s go over this again.”• “Don’t forget this.”• “This will be on the test.” (When you hear this, write a T in the margin of your notes.)3. Listen intently. Keep your thoughts on the subject being discussed.• Stay alert and don’t be afraid to ask questions.• If you don’t understand, ask the teacher to explain the material in another way.4. Tips for taking notes:• Use a pen or pencil that won’t smear.• Take notes on a full sheet of paper marked with a page number, subject, and date.• Keep notes for each subject together.• Use highlighters or colored pencils to mark different topics.• Record vocabulary terms.• Keep up. If you fall behind, catch up as soon as possible.• Draw a line down the left side of your paper about 2” from the margin. On the right, record notes. On the left,write a question that is answered by your notes. To study for a test, cover your notes, and try to answer thequestions. It is also helpful to develop flash cards and use them to quiz yourself.Appendix