Part I

There is only one way to get good grades, and that is by studying and applying yourself. Sincere motivation, along with some decent effort, will help you to do well in school. You can start developing good study habits by approaching your studies with a positive attitude and arranging your home environment to encourage learning. Here are some ideas that can help.

Have a specific area where you always study. Any good‑sized desk or table will do as long as it is well‑lit and has a comfortable chair. Your study space should be in a quiet spot that is shielded from the distractions of siblings, television, phone calls and other activity, but avoid sleep inducing places like beds. The kitchen table will work if family members agree to stay out of the room during study time. You might want to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.

Store paper, pencils, pens, pencil sharpener, eraser, dictionary, and other necessities near your study area. You can get your homework done easier and faster when everything is close at hand. But keep your study surface clean and clear because a cluttered, messy area is mentally distracting. Supplies and completed schoolwork can be tucked neatly inside closed cabinets or drawers, in a plastic storage box, or on a shelf. A bookcase encourages reading and studious behavior, a globe or wall map is an excellent accessory, and a computer is useful for research and writing reports.

When registering for classes, make sure that your goals and times are manageable so you can set up a realistic study schedule while balancing family, friends, and fun. Set aside a regular time to do homework each day and stick to it. If you can, do your homework as soon as you get home from school. Then when it’s out of the way, you can enjoy whatever free time you have left without having to think about getting started on your assignments. However, if clubs or other activities keep you busy in the afternoon or if you need to unwind from a stressful day, make sure to do your homework right after dinner to allow yourself enough time to finish it before you get too tired to concentrate.

To be efficient and effective in your studying, you need to know yourself and your style of learning. Some students prefer to tackle the hardest or least enjoyable task first. Others like to get off to a good start with something simpler. Either way, having a routine will help you get your work done. A good rule of thumb is to plan on spending between 30‑60 minutes per subject. Try to pace yourself to finish all of your work within that time period, keeping in mind that the subjects which come easy to you will take less time, leaving extra time for the more difficult ones.

Teri Ann Berg Olsen is a home educator and author of “Learning for Life: Educational Words of Wisdom.” For more information, visit www.knowledgehouse.info.