High school can be crazy. Between classes, college hysteria, SATs, and extracurriculars, it can feel impossible to find time to get everything done, spend time with friends and family, and stay up-to-date with the new season of Gossip Girl.
But high school doesn't have to be all work and no play. By organizing your time and getting a little creative, you can stay on top of your work and still have some fun.
Color your world
Sometimes it can be tough to stay focused in class. The pages of writing in black ink or pencil seem to lull you right to sleep. To keep you alert while taking notes, try mixing up the color of the pens you use. Maybe color-code your history textbook’s subheadings. Or use different colors for notes on different English books. Switching colors might not make you suddenly love a class, but it could at least add a little pizzazz.
Reward yourself
To stay focused and efficient while studying, bribe yourself. Did your mother make a fresh batch of homemade cookies? Promise yourself a bite or two every time you finish a chapter of your English book. Have yesterday’s The Office on TiVO? Watch one scene after you complete each set of math problems. Having something to work for will keep you motivated and working hard.
A little help from your friends
It can be hard to make yourself sit down to study for a test. Flash cards and study guides are fine, but it’s easy for your attention to wander.
To make studying more focused—and fun—try forming a study group. Talking through each topic with your friends will help keep you actively studying. If one person forgets something, another will probably remember, thus filling in the gaps. Or one person might bring up a point that the rest hadn’t thought about. Either way, everyone gains. Plus, with a group, you get to spend more time with your friends!
But be careful who you choose to study with. If the group is too big, or has too many kids who can’t stay focused, the group will be a waste of time. Keep the group small, with friends who have good study habits.
Too much of a hassle to coordinate a study location? Video chatting can help. If you have a computer with a camera, you can use Skype, Oovoo, or iChat to hold a virtual study group.
Organize!
When you have an assignment book filled with homework and responsibilities, it can be hard to process what you need to do by what date. Try making a list of all your schoolwork and extracurricular obligations, and note the importance and due date for each one. Decide what’s most important and in what order to complete each task.
For long-term work, write down what portions should be completed by what date. For example, if you have ten days to write an essay, you might decide to write the outline and introduction on Tuesday, two body paragraphs each on Wednesday and Thursday, and the conclusion on Sunday. You can organize the project around your activities so that it fits your schedule, making it more manageable and orderly.
Remember: You don’t have to spend your school year miserable and overwhelmed! Following these tips just might make school a bit more enjoyable. So start a to-do list and study group—and have a wonderful year.
Did You Know?
Plenty of advice: There are lots of web sites that offer tips on how to navigate all your schoolwork. Check out, for example How to Make Homework Less Work, Staying Focused on Schoolwork, or Time Management for Teens.
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