ORGANIZATION

An important time of becoming or being a successful student is being organized.  You might be very smart, but if you are disorganized and can't find your assignments, you'll get a bad grade.

• Have your locker organized by the way it fits you best. Put your textbooks in the order of your classes.  That way you can grab what you need and get to your next class right away.

• Have an organized work space. If you have papers all over, you can get frustrated and confuse yourself. When your area is organized, you don't have to worry about clearing a space to work. Try and get away from a lot of commotion; it is easier to concentrate.

• You shouldn't cram any loose papers into your backpack. The crammed papers can build up causing you to have a messy backpack, and you will probably end up losing your homework.  Keep your backpack clean and organized.

• Always keep your work assignments in folders and your notes in a notebook. Sometimes it's nice to keep a separate notebook for each class; that way your notes won't get mixed up. 

At home before school - Before you leave for school make sure you have your homework, all the books you need, and any supplies in your backpack. If you have a club or sport after school, be sure you have what you need.  Tell your parents when your lunch money account is low so you don't run out of money.

Before class - Make sure that you have all of your materials you will need before your next break or the next time you can go to your locker.

During class - If you are going to be taking notes in class make sure that you copy everything down correctly . Also try to participate as much as you can in class. Before you leave class remember to write down the assignment for the next day. 

After school - When you get home from school do your homework at the same time each night.  Work in an organized space where you have everything you need.  If you put things back after you use them, then you won't waste time looking for them.

These sites also have good ideas:

• Top Ten Ways to Get Good Grades

• Top 12 Ways to Get Better Grades