To Guardians, Parents, & Students:
As Grace Fleming, a homework/study tips expert says, “The middle school years are so important for a student's academic career! This is a time when habits are formed that will remain with students through high school and college. It is important to lay a solid foundation when it comes to time management and taking responsibility for the actions that lead to school success! Middle school is the time to start using a planner the right way.”
One of the first questions I ask students is “Do you use a planner?” The answer is often disappointing. It is almost impossible for a student to be successful at the middle school level if he/they/she does not write down or record their assignments and tests in a calendar format. This organizational skill precludes learning any other study skills strategy. TFMS provides a written planner for every student. Also, every student with a Chromebook has access to Google Calendar, an excellent organizational tool for recording due dates for assignments, projects, and quizzes/tests.
Please encourage and monitor the use of either a written agenda/planner or Google Calendar by your student. Ask to see your student’s planner or Google Calendar on a regular basis. Below is an article by Grace Fleming that includes tips for using a planner. At the bottom of this page are Youtube videos about how to effectively use a written planner and a tutorial about Google Calendar and iCalendar.
Please take the time to review this information with your student. Study skills are the most important skills to master for students to get good grades.
Cheers,
Christopher J. Mantei, M.Ed.
Christopher J. Mantei, M.Ed.
