How to Get Good Grades
In Five Easy Steps
What Kind of Student Are You?
No sweat! This article is designed to help you, the student, or you, the parent, get the awesome grades we know our students are capable of!
Step One: Believe In Yourself!
Two middle school students are about to take the same test in Math class. Both students have the same grade in class and both enjoy Math class.
The first student comes to class prepared after studying the night before, with a pencil, and sits down at their desk excited to ace this test! "I can DO this!"
The second student forgot about the test so they didn't study, and also left their pencil at home. They sit at their desk dreading this test. "I'm definitely going to fail this test."
Who do you think will do better on their test?
The key is believing in yourself! If you wake up and decide that today will be a good day, it WILL be!
Step Two: Be Organized
Use Your Planner!
Keep Your Locker and Backpack Neat
If your locker is neat, you'll be able to find what you need and get to class ASAP!
Get Organized Before You Go to Bed
Step Three: Be a Good Test Taker
Get off to a Good Start
Make sure to have everything you need, (pencil, calculator etc.). If your teacher gives you a couple of minutes before the test starts, try to relax.Develop a Plan
Before you begin answering questions, quickly look over the entire test and make a plan. Are there more essay questions than multiple choice? Try to save your time for the essay questions so you don't feel rushed!
Increase Your Odds on Multiple-Choice Questions
When you read a multiple-choice question, try to come up with the answer in your head before you look at the answer choices. If you're not sure of the answer, eliminate the choices you know are wrong by crossing them out. Then make an educated guess.
Look for Key Words in True/False Questions
Statements with all, always, never, every, and none in them are usually false. Statements with usually, often, sometimes, most and many in them are usually true. Read True/False questions very carefully. One word will often determine whether a statement is True or False.
Step Four: Reduce Test Anxiety
Don't worry! Everyone gets a little nervous before a test.
- Study early! Cramming only increases anxiety
- Mentally practice going through the test. Picture yourself sitting at your desk being confident that you will do great on the test!
- The night before a test, review all the material and get a good night's sleep!
- When you get to class, mentally tell yourself that you are ready and you'll do great!
- Try to relax by taking deep breaths, visualizing a calming place you like to go to.
Step Five: Get Help When You Need It
WELL majority of the time, if you don't understand the classwork, another classmate doesn't understand it either. However, if you're still shy about asking in front of everyone, start out by asking your teacher for help during individual work time.
Don't let other students make you feel insecure about what you're learning in class. You need to take responsibility for what your education. All of your classes build on each other every school year. For example, if you don't master multiplication how will you be able to learn how to divide? Learn algebra? Calculus? See? You have to make sure to ask questions!
As always, let us know if you need us!
6th Grade
ltenholder@greenville.k12.sc.us
Mrs. McCain
7th Grade
Mrs. Batson-Curd
8th Grade
mbatsoncurd@greenville.k12.sc.us
Mrs. Sinkler
8th Grade/Career Counselor