You can do it: Finishing the school year strong

If only every school day could be like the first day of the new school year. Expectations are high, attitudes are positive, and the sky seems to be the limit. Your mind felt as sharp as the No. 2 pencil in your hand. 

But now it’s March, the end of the school year is in sight, and motivation and excitement are no longer even part of your vocabulary. Frankly, school seems about as exciting as getting a tooth filled, with similar amounts of dull pain and sometimes even numbness. It’s time to take stock, make some simple changes, and finish this year strong. The late bell is about to ring, so time is most definitely of the essence.

I’ll be upfront and honest here; I’m writing from a teacher’s perspective. I’m going to let you know ideas and strategies that teachers really appreciate. These will be labeled STL (no, not St. Louis!) but rather “Stuff Teachers Like.” Ready? Let’s go!

Get some new stuff.
Now is a great time to restock on school supplies. You think that task can only be done once a year? Wrong! It’s amazing what some fresh notebook paper, a pack of sharp pencils, and maybe even a snazzy new binder or notebook can do for your confidence. (STL)
Plus, a new notebook will have rings that actually work, so your papers don’t fall out and leave a literal paper trail of where you’ve been.

Getting organized is a huge key to success. 
Clean out that binder and throw away or recycle old assignments and tests. Collect a stack of your old papers and ask the teacher: “Do I need these, or is it OK to get rid of them?” Make sure that he or she notices you recycling the papers, thereby helping protect planet earth. (STL)

Get enthusiastic. 
The Bible—it’s just so full of wisdom, like in Colossians 3:23, which says “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.” Let’sgive a big STL to those words of Paul right now!

If you haven’t figured out by now, teachers care a lot about effort. They recognize it, and they like it. Even if you don’t totally understand y=mx+b, work at it with all the enthusiasm you can muster. Attack that slope-intercept form like you are attacking it for the Lord, not just for Mrs. Jones, who’s been around so long that she possibly taught algebra to Paul back in his school days.

Move around. 
If you’re struggling to pay attention—or to just stay awake for that matter, ask if you can be moved to the front of the room so that you will be closer to the core of instruction (STL).
This demonstrates to the teacher that you care more about your grade than daydreaming while gazing out the window or grabbing a few extra winks of sleep. And while you’re at it, don’t be afraid to ask for some extra help before or after class (STL). This shows that you are concerned about your grade and want to see it improve.

Accountability—it’s biblical. 
Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Now is the time to form a study group to help you get through these last few months of school (STL). Be sure to invite someone who is doing well in the class, along with some friends who might need a little boost. Stay focused on the schoolwork, but have some fun as well.
Pay attention to where you study. Every student needs an area at home that is clearly set aside for homework and studying. Put your study area to the test with our handy quiz:
1. Is there plenty of light?
❑ YES ❑ NO

2. Do you have a comfortable chair?
❑ YES ❑ NO

3. Is your study area away from TV, phone, and other distractions?
❑ YES ❑ NO

4. Do you have lots of pens, pencils, papers, books, and other supplies you’ll need to study?
❑ YES ❑ NO

5. Is your study spot fairly quiet?
❑ YES ❑ NO

6. When you study, do you use the Internet only for study-related activities?
❑ YES ❑ NO

7. Are your homework assignments written down?
❑ YES ❑ NO

If you answered “No” to more than two of those questions, you might want to rethink your study space.


Think ahead.
The last few months of the school year are BUSY! Take some time now to see what’s headed your way in the next few weeks and put it in your planner or write it on your family calendar. Record any band concerts, banquets, team meetings, or special events. Write down the due dates for big projects and list the dates for AP exams and finals. (STL) By taking some time to look ahead now, you can better plan how you’re going to get everything done—without losing your mind!

Take it one thing at a time. 
Don’t freak out that you’ve got a million things to do and a seemingly short amount of time to finish them. Make a list of all you need to accomplish each week and break down big tasks into small steps. If you have a big exam to study for, your steps might include reviewing your notes for two of the chapters covered on the test on one night, then reviewing the remaining chapters the next night. The following night, you may review the study guide or practice test your teacher gave you.

With a little extra effort, some new supplies, and a few creative strategies, you should be set to finish this school year strong.

This article written by Will Snipes appears in the March 2011 issue of ec magazine. You can subscribe to ec by clicking here.