Develop A Growth Mindset

Celebrate  your mistakes!  Yes, you learn from them.  Understand that intelligence can be developed.  In other words, your brain can grow.

Brains Can Grow and Change.  Watch this amazing video from www.youcubed.org.

Read the Syllabus

What’s a syllabus, you ask?  It’s the letter that the teacher gives the parents and students on the first day/week of school.  The syllabus provides information about how grades are calculated, expectations regarding behaviour, what to bring to class, how to contact the teacher, etc.   You will find important information regarding what to do if you miss a class, the dates of tests and what to do about late assignments.

Take your textbook to every class

It’s up to your teacher to tell you, but most times, you’ll need to bring your text to every class.  

Buy, gather the materials listed in the syllabus

 For example, for math class, you will need:

• calculator
• pencils (you’ll keep losing them, so get a few)
• pencil sharpener (Staedtler makes a great one with a twist off top for about $4)
• eraser 
• lined notebook or loose leaf paper and a three ring binder
• ruler
• geometry kit (if your teacher wants you to get one, it’ll be on the syllabus)

Meet the teacher

You can wait until “meet the teacher night” or you can contact the teacher and ask to meet them after school one day.  Ask questions, share your concerns or expectations for your child.  Make the connection early in the year.  Don’t wait until an issue arises. 

Read over your notes after every class and do your homework

Always read over your notes.  In the evening, or after school, read what you wrote to see if you still understand it.  If you don’t, be sure to ask your teacher the next day to help you.

Try to do you homework at the same time every evening and develop a habit.  If you need help, ask someone at home, or a friend.  If you still need help, be sure to ask your teacher the next day.  Don’t let it go.