Top 10 Ideas to Strengthen Time Management Skills

10 Ideas to Strengthen Time Management Skills

1.   Create a study space that is organized and has all materials in one place.

2.   Break down large assignments into smaller pieces. 

3.   Create a routine of how to fit in afterschool activities, homework, and studying. 

4.   Complete more difficult or less liked tasks first. 

5.   Do one task at a time and focus your full attention on it. 

6.   Keep track of assignments and due dates (calendar, planner, scheduling app, computer, etc.).

7.   Study and review notes daily. 

8.   Estimate how much time it will take to complete a task and then reflect if the estimation was accurate – practice this. 

9.  Get rid of distractions (phone, TV, music, people, etc.).

10. Reward yourself for finishing all your tasks.

The Yellin Center

Dear Friends,

We want to share with you the Yellin Center of New York City.  They have a wonderul blog that is chock full of resources on many different topics associated with learning. Here is a link to their blog with posts specifically about writing.
Here's to more amazing resources for education!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin

Here is the link:
http://blog.yellincenter.com/search/label/writing

Top Ten Study Skills

Our Top Ten Study Skills Include:

1.  Be organized – Be sure that you have everything you need to study.  Be sure to have a special place to keep books, notebooks, and folders that you may need to study properly.
2. Study to suit your learning style – Be sure to know when, and where is the best way for you to study.  If you need help understanding more about the best way to study – see the Learning Specialists, they are happy to help you with this. They are there to help you with multiple intelligences and learning styles.
3. Use good time management skills – Be sure to study in small amounts of time over a longer span of time.  For example, it is best to study for 10 minutes a night for 5 nights, than studying for 1.5 hours the night before.  Be sure to review your notes often before the test.
4. Know what will be on the test – Have a clear understanding of what will be on the test.  Be sure to ask teachers ahead of time so you can prepare properly and efficiently.
5. Set a personal goal for your tests and grades – Set a goal and speak with teachers about what it might take to reach your goal.  Believe in your ability to do well and to achieve your personal goals.  Take time to visualize yourself succeeding!
6. Break goals and projects down into small manageable pieces – Learn to break larger projects down into smaller tasks.  Set dates to accomplish these tasks.  In the end you will accomplish your goal but with less stress.
7. Learn to relax and manage stress – Find the ways that will help you to relieve stress.  This will help you to learn more in school, study better at time and perform with more success on tests.  If you feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to handle things, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
8. Be an advocate for yourself – If you need help understanding a concept, breaking projects down or knowing how to study, be sure to ask for help.  Only you know what you need.  There are so many people willing to help you and are happy to do so.
9. Become a great note taker – Learn about different note taking strategies that will work for you.  Find ways to capture all of the information that you will need for the tests.
10. Learn about memorization and reading comprehension techniques – There are many different ways to memorize and become a more active reader.  Find ways that work for you – they will empower you as a learner for life!

Mindfulness Resources

Dear Friends,

     I was recently sent some very interesting mindfulness resources for children.  These are programs that are being offered in and outside of school to help children with focus, a sense of calm, inner peace and happiness too.  I wanted to share some of them with you here.  There is so much that has been brought to our attention about the power of mindfulness for everyone.  I have also included two recent articles about mindfulness in business too. I hope you will find some of these resources beneficial.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin

10 Mindful Minutes by Goldie Hawn: http://thehawnfoundation.org/goldie-hawns-10-mindful-minutes

The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser Greenland: http://www.susankaisergreenland.com/book.html

“Reading, Writing, and Character” On Point with Tom Ashbrook Radio Broadcast, August 7, 2012 http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/08/07/reading-writing-and-character

“Why We Need to Teach Mindfulness in a Digital Age” by Aran Levasseur: http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2012/04/why-we-need-to-teach-mindfulness-in-a-digital-age095.html

Yoga for Kids of Central New York: http://www.yogakidsofcny.com/ToolsForSchools2.htm

Yoga for Children: http://www.yogaforchildren.net/yg/school_org/sch_org.htm

Mindfulness In The Corporate World: How Businesses Are Incorporating The Eastern Practice: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/29/mindfulness-businesses-corporate-employees-meditation_n_1840690.html?view=print&comm_ref=false

Business Skills and Buddhist Mindfulness: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577305820565167202.html

Kurzweil 3000

Dear Friends,

     This year, Mrs. Turse secured the use of the Kurzweil 3000 program. Every student in our school will have the opportunity to use this innovative technological tool for learning.This program is being used in colleges across the country for undergraduates and graduates alike.  Each student and faculty member will have an account and will be able to use the many features offered by the progam.  Students will also be able to download the program at home and use it on their home computer.  Below are some of the videos that describe the four basic functions of the program.

     In the coming weeks, students will be receiving an e-mail with their log on and account information.  In order to use the progam at home, they will need to download the program onto their home computer and instructions will be sent for PC and Mac.  Teachers are able to download the program to the computers at school.  We hope you will take a moment to view some of the videos to learn about how technology is enhancing our learning in new ways! 

Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin and Kim Turse

Study Toolbar- YouTube Video Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b33_sXyiJ_0&feature=relmfu (part I)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPDN0bxPiTg&feature=relmfu (part II)

Main Toolbar - You Tube Video Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffIOR7xxJVw&feature=relmfu

Reading Toolbar - YouTube Video Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYDbk_jxxoQ&feature=relmfu

Writing Toolbar - YouTube Video Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp4Y-h9rOIE&feature=relmfu

Welcome Back

Dear Friends,

     We wanted to take a moment to welcome you back to school!  We hope that you had a wonderful summer filled with relaxation, fun, time with family and learning too.  We look forward to being with you in and outside of the classroom.  We feel fortunate to have the chance to celebrate students, their learning. and the strengthening of their gifts and talents.
     Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if we can help in any way.  Thank you for all that you do. We hope you have a wonderful 2012-2013 school year filled with many learning victories!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Kimberly Turse (7-12th Grades)
Dr. Kimberly Borin (K-6th Grades)
Learning Specialists
Gill St. Bernard's School