Get in the game. Shake off Summer Brain and get School Brain engaged! Not all the way– these two mental states can exist together well (honest). You can, and should, keep enjoying summer, but you know school is coming up fast. Don’t ignore it and don’t run away from it. Get ready for it now so that the big yellow bus doesn’t run you over come Fall.
Check the map. You might not know your entire schedule, but you should know some of the classes you’ll be taking next year. Not sure? Call or e-mail the guidance department at school. Your schedule may change before school starts, but you can get a rough idea of what to expect. Google the pacing chart for each class, for your school district– you could show up on Day One knowing the topics for the entire year! That’s a serious advantage.
Ask the locals. The PTA is a great resource. Find parents or students in the grade above yours, and ask them for advice. Who were the toughest teachers? Which classes require outside resources to really get what’s going on? Is the free school planner enough, or should you have your own? Is lunch edible? What’s the best club to join? People love to share their experiences. Just ask.
Pack your bag. Now you have an idea of where the rough spots will be. Prepare for them. Watch videos about the science class you’ll be in. Get a planner you’re going to actually use every day. Listen to audio books by the authors you’ll probably be assigned. Look up any important dates you need to know (like state testing, SAT/ACT, sports or club schedules, etc.). Information reduces surprises.
Plan your trip. What do you want to get out of the next school year? New friends, better grades, community service hours? Do you want to join a sports team, explore clubs, or actually understand what the Language Immersion teacher is saying? If you don’t know what you want, you won’t know whether or not you’re getting it. Think about what you want. Do it now and your school year will be easy– maybe even fun! Using these tips to create your best year ever will make your summer a smashing success.