Study Hints

• Memory Work
• Literature
• Math
• Spelling
• Geography and Science

Introduction

If the word 'study' depresses you, then this booklet is meant for you. You have probably been doing something wrong. Studying does not have to be boring, dull, or hard. It can be interesting, enjoyable, and of course, useful. It all depends on your approach. This booklet will point out some steps toward good studying.

Studying is a way of learning. Since you are learning all the time, not just while at school, studying has been fun for you in the past. When you read a road map, shop carefully, or search the newspaper for sports scores, you are studying. You study because you want to know something.

Studying in school is more fun when you want to learn your homework. A good attitude is more conducive to good grades, and more importantly, it is God pleasing. If you keep telling yourself you will never learn memory work, science, math, or whatever it is you are studying, chances are you never will. You already know many things. At one time you had to learn how to read, add, write and all of the rest. Now you are successful at them. Your school work in 7th grade will not be any harder; it’s only different. You can do it! Remember these words of advice:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Psalm 11:10

“Diligent prayer is half the study.” Martin Luther.

Why Should I Study?

1) To make the best use of God’s gifts.

The Lord has given each of us various gifts. Among His gifts is your intellect. You cannot decide to do as you please with your life. It belongs to God who created, redeemed, and sanctified you. As a faithful Christian, you will want to make the best use of your mind to the glory of God.

2) To gain knowledge and understanding.

By studying, you gain the satisfaction of knowing and the pleasure of putting that knowledge to good use.

3) To get good grades.

Not only do good grades make you and your parents feel good, but acceptance into high school and college are based on what you do now. These grades are a part of your permanent records.

4) To prepare for advanced topics.

Most ideas begin with basic understanding(s) and move to more difficult concepts. If you study the beginning facts and principles, the lessons which follow will be easier to understand.

Where Should I Study?

1) At School

Pay attention while in class! Trying to get started on tomorrow’s homework or preparing for your next class while listening with one ear to the teacher builds the poor habit of “getting by” rather than the good habit of concentration on the work at hand.

Take notes in your own words. Ask questions when you don’t understand. Write down assignments. Don’t let your mind wander.

Review your notes and assignments during study times. That is the best time to begin tomorrow’s assignments and do as much of your homework as possible. Ask questions of your teacher during study time. If you have the time, read ahead in your text books. DON’T WASTE TIME!!

2) At the Library

Use the library for a source of reference materials. Pick a book on the same topic as your assignment and scan the pages for the main ideas. Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference materials can make studying a fascinating job. Don’t use the library for social visits.

3) At Home

Choose an area to study at home that has good lighting and lighting and few distractions. It is best to study seated at a desk or table with the materials you need (books, pencils, paper, etc.) organized near you. Study alone at a time when you are “fresh”. Get started on your assignments without wasting time waiting for the right study mood. Study a little each day. Cramming is like a crash diet; neither produces good results and they can sometimes be harmful.

When Should I Study?

An effective study program means studying both at school and regularly at home.

1) Budget your time. Determine the amount of time needed for study, family and social activities.

2) It is important that you always try to do your homework at the same, set time, each day, including weekends. Choose a time that works best for your family, and for you, when you are fresh.

3) A schedule can save you time and energy in studying. It can also keep you from forgetting important things or from wasting time trying to decide what to do next.

4) Weekends are good times for working on large projects. Reading novels, writing reports, or working on essays should be done when a large batch of time is available so you can keep your interest up and your chain of thought going.

5) If you become stuck on one problem or a single assignment do not waste all of your time on it. Skip over the problem and go on to another part of your assignment. Do not be unprepared in many classes because you spent all of your time working on one small area.

6) Begin working on long range assignments early! Gathering materials, writing an outline, and making revisions all take time.

How Should I Study?

The Lord tells us in James 4:2, “You do not have, because you do not ask God.” Since only the Lord can grant wisdom, prayer should be the most important part of your preparation and study.

1) Ask questions until you understand the lesson. If class time runs out, make arrangements to see the teacher during another time.

2) Get an overview of your subject. Find out the main ideas, their subdivisions and how they relate to things you already know. Get the main ideas as well as trying to answer any written questions. Refer to the glossary, index, or other special sections of your text book when looking for information. Sometimes another book will clarify meanings or give you a better view of the subject. Use library sources.

4) Refer to your glossary, index, or other special sections of your textbook when looking for information. Sometimes another book will clarify meanings or give you a better view of the subject. Use library sources.

5) Keep your notes, assignments, and other papers in a ring binder and note books for quick review and reference.

6) Read ahead to see how each piece of information fits together with the others.

7) Review early and often to fix what you have learned firmly in your mind so you can remember it.

8) Become an active learner. Getting personally involved with studying helps to overcome feelings of boredom and inferiority. Try to sharpen your curiosity.

9) Eat well-balanced meals and get proper rest. You can only do your best when you are in good health.

10) COMPLETE YOUR ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME. YOU CAN NOT GET AHEAD BY FALLING BEHIND!

Reading Assignment Tips:

1) Survey your assignment by looking over titles, darker printed terms, maps, charts, pictures, definitions, etc., to get a general overview of a subject.

2) Ask yourself questions about the lesson content or new material as you survey the lesson.

3) Read assignments carefully to answer your questions and to find out how the parts of the lesson are related to each other.

4) Reread your assignments to answer the written questions. Do not begin your homework with this step! By studying in this way, you are only "getting by" and not learning.

5) Review what you have read and written. This may involve memorizing formulas, dates, names, etc., or simply scanning the material once more.

Tips on Studying for a Test:

In seventh grade, you will be given many tests and quizzes. What follows are some hints for studying for any test, and then there are some specific hints for studying in different classes.

All Tests:

1) You will need to study!

2) Pay attention to what the teacher and students say in class.

3) Study a little bit each day. If there was no assignment given, review the notes taken in class as your assignment. This simple, five minute act will help you more than words can explain.

4) Review your notes, taking time to memorize lists and series of events. Most of the test questions are based on your notes.

5) Next review the text book on the chapter. Note bold print headings, pictures, charts, etc., and again review vocabulary words. Seeing your note taking in a different form (text book) really helps ingrain important information.

6) Finally, go over your notes until you feel comfortable. This does not mean you just read the notes. Memorize and remember them.

7) Quizzing yourself with the chapter review questions, or having someone ask you questions can be beneficial.

8) Going over test material one last time before you go to bed, and again first thing in the morning can also be very valuable.

9) Cramming at the last minute for a test can actually do more damage than good.

Memory Work:

1. Start to memorize your assignment the day it is assigned.

2. If you know it PERFECTLY, review it before bed and again first thing in the morning before it is due.

3. If you don’t know it, you might try the following procedure:

• Learn one line or one sentence at a time.
• Learn the next line, and then learn it together with the previous line.
• Continue this until you know it all PERFECTLY.

4. Please practice your memory work by writing it, since that is the way you will be proving you know it.

Literature:

1) Follow along as the story is read in class.

2) Pay attention to class discussion. Especially note ideas written on the chalkboard.

3) Try to read the story being tested two times.

4) Reviewing or quizzing yourself on the questions after the story can also be helpful.

Math:

1. All math tests are extremely similar to the review. Make sure you ask questions and understand how to do review questions.

2. Read through each lesson in the chapter carefully. Note each example and how it is done.

Spelling:

1. Finish your workbook assignment on Monday or Tuesday. By using the words on your assignment, you see the words differently and begin to memorize them.

2. Note which words you got wrong on the pretest, and memorize how to spell them.

3. Memorize the words you knew on the pretest to further enforce them.

4. When memorizing, you may make up your own rules, or some sayings to help you.

5. If you are really struggling, someone quizzing you before the final test is a good idea.

Geography and Science:

1. Pay attention to outlines, lecture and discussions in class.

2. Make sure your notes are neat and legible, so they can be read and remembered.

3. If something is mentioned a couple of times, it will be on the test.

4. If the teacher says it will be on the test, it will be.

5. Study a little bit each day. If there was no assignment given, review the notes taken in class as your assignment. This simple, five minute act will help you more than words can explain.

6. Follow along during class review the day before the test. Highlight those things that are emphasized.

7. Review your notes, taking time to memorize lists and series of events. Most of the test questions are based on your notes.

8. Next review the text book on the chapter. Note bold print headings, pictures, charts, etc., and again review vocabulary words. Seeing your note taking in a different form (text book) really helps ingrain important information.

9. Finally, go over your notes until you feel comfortable. This does not mean you just read the notes. Memorize and remember them.

10. Quizzing yourself with the chapter review questions, or having someone ask you questions can be beneficial.

11. Going over test material one last time before you go to bed, and again first thing in the morning can also be very valuable.

12. Cramming at the last minute for a test can actually do more damage than good.

Tips for taking a test:

1. Slowly place your name and the date on your test paper.

2. Read directions carefully and slowly, then follow them exactly.

3. Look over the entire test to survey the material, set up a time budget, and calm down.

4. Read each question carefully; DO NOT SKIM.

5. Answer the questions or problems you know first. Skip over the difficult parts until after you have completed the easier sections.

6. Check your work for answers you have omitted, missing units of measurements, or other careless errors.