16 Ways To Set Up Your Student For Success This Year
- Encourage them to lay out goals and priorities. Having an idea of what they want to accomplish, where they want to end up and what's important to them before the chaos begins helps them have a proactive year.
- Help them get organized. A daily planner, organizational folders and a clean study area are all a must!
- Encourage them to engage with professors and teachers. You're never too young to start networking, so why not begin making meaningful connections that may help in the long run?
- Teach them to be open with emotions and struggles. If they are struggling in school, don't be afraid to reach out and get help from teachers and tutors. That's why they are there!
- Tell them it's good to learn from mistakes. Don't become crippled over an error. Rather, gain experience from it and see it simply as a stepping stone.
- Help them establish a work ethic and determination with other tasks. Learning how to be dedicated and responsible through summer jobs and other activities at home can easily carry over into the way your student views their education.
- Visualize the big picture with them. Don't shy away from talking with your student about why school matters and where it could eventually take them.
- Explain the reality of what life would be like without school. Understanding the reality that children across the globe can't attend school, and hearing the consequences this lack of education causes, can encourage your student to be thankful and hard-working.
- Make sure they don't forget that social lives and hobbies are important. Despite the chaos the school year may bring, it's important to save time for the meaningful relationships around you and participate in things that make you happy.
- Show them how to get involved. Going through school is much more rewarding when you're involved and have school spirit. It goes by fast, so make the most of it.
- Teach them the importance of not comparing yourself with others. Don't allow the classes other students take, grades other students get or friends other students have to determine your student's happiness. Every student is on a different path, and none of them are completely right or wrong.
- Encourage them to not procastinate. This can be deadly. Teach your students good habits like doing their homework directly after school, taking the weight off their shoulders for the rest of the evening.
- Remind them to eat, exercise and sleep. It's important to take care of your body! When food, exercise and sleep are compromised, it affects every other part of your life.
- Teach them it's ok to ask questions. Don't be afraid of curiosity and inquisitiveness. Learn from those around you, and try to expand your knowledge every day.
- Tell them to seize opportunities. Young students have endless opportunities. Encourage your student to sign up for that extra class, take the extra field trip and join the club, because you never know where it might lead.
- Remind them to have FUN. Most importantly, life isn't supposed to be brain numbing and boring. Enjoy the little things every day, and don't forget to smile.
At Opportunity International, we believe that all students should have the chance to succeed. So we invest in schools and students globally, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to learn well. As you prepare your students for success this school year, take a moment to learn more about education all around the world.
Explore Education Around the World
Photo by Doug88888, Flickr Creative Commons