As we are all aware organizational skills for many young people
as well as adults alike are a difficult skill to master. Here at Putnam
Ave we take care and pride in helping our students get themselves
organized. It is common teaching practice that the last 10 minutes or so
of class be dedicated to organization, explaining homework directions,
and even begin homework. The following is a rough guide that students
and families can follow in order to see to it that students are well
organized and successful each and every day.
The traits and characteristics of a successful student almost always
begin with proper organization. A binder is a major factor in developing
organization. By dividing subjects and giving space to documents that
must be kept handy students can quickly and easily access any task.
Keeping a class schedule not only in their lockers but also in a binder
will help students navigate each day in advance. Another useful strategy
is the use of a “study buddy”. Someone the students trust to help keep
them organized, focused, and motivated. Study buddies can assist with
forgotten homework, books, page assignments, and handouts.
Well organized students are often students that problem solve small
small issues themselves, and who follow up on matters that affect their
grades. By participating in class, being respectful to teachers, and
taking responsibility students can quickly begin to take pride in their
success and growth. Good organization means good notes, and good notes
means good listening.
Lastly, a student's homework space should be as important as
Superman’s “Fortress of Solitude”. It should be as permanent as
possible, have no distractions, and be abundant in supplies. Computers
of course are a major component to any organized students arsenal. The
trick is to use it for more than instant messaging. They can be an
excellent communication tool for study buddies, group project members,
and teachers etc… They are helpful in word processing attractive reports
and essays. And lastly they are vital for online resources like
homework help, the schools website, and teacher webpages.
Setting goals is a big objective at Putnam Ave. and families can help
by helping create them, motivating students to achieve them, and
rewarding those successes.
7th Grade Town Hall
Every
student at Putnam Ave. is part of an advisory group. For our first Town
Hall, Advisories worked in groups to come up with a skit pertaining to
the seventh grade theme of Decision-Making. Each group was assigned a
scenario and was instructed to show both right and wrong decisions to
make in dealing with the situation. From “constructive criticism” to
“bullying” to “gossip”, students were given 45 minutes to work together
and come up with a skit to share with the rest of the seventh grade. It
was a good start to the year, and everyone got to see some great
teamwork and leadership emerge from the groups.