Back to School Boot Camp: Setting the Stage for Success

This Week with Sara Fitts is all about Back to School in this week's installments.  Today the focus is on Setting the Stage for Success.  It takes just a few things to improve each student's chances for a successful academic year - and the following will hopefully set the process in motion.

First, be organized.  Most teachers require notebooks and other items for class.  Make sure the requirements are followed and understood so that all assignments and notes are easily located when needed.  Utilize a variety of colors in order to color-code different items and/or subjects.  Often it is a very simple way to organize that makes all the difference.  Make sure the organization works for you.

Next, utilize technology.  So many apps are available - many for free - that will help you in organization, study skills, test prep, and actual help with a variety of subjects.  (More on this later this week.)  The key is to be open to the technology that is available and utilize it for your best results.

And don't forget old school structures:  index cards, color-coded sticky notes/flags, and binders with dividers.  Whatever it takes for you to set the stage for success, you must incorporate it into your "back to school" mindset.

And, perhaps the most important thing to remember in setting the stage for academic success is your mindset.  If you are to be successful, you need to 

• believe that you will be successful and envision what your success looks like:  Honor Roll, Dean's List, no D's - however you define your success
• set specific times for study and homework - and study is different from homework!  So set times for both!
• have specific places for homework and study - quiet without distractions, music if it helps you work and study, and time limits
• take breaks, exercise, drink water, and get plenty of sleep
• reward yourself for your successes and use your times of less-than-success for re-grouping and learning 
• enjoy the learning and make it meaningful - even if you take courses that you may not like, it will lead you to a diploma and a job - so make the most of the journey!

...More to come