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Madison Metropolitan School District

Homework Help

Homework Help & Study Skills

This may sound too obvious, but if you need help, ASK YOUR TEACHER!
Algebra Help:  Each Algebra teacher will speak directly to each class about his/her availability before school and after school. There are two math teachers available each night in the After School Study Center (see the next description).

Online Study Help

BE ORGANIZED...

  • use an assignment datebook to keep track of daily homework and tests
  • use spiral notebooks to take notes in each class
  • put date at top of page at start of each class, write down at least the key ideas from lecture
  • use separate folders to keep handouts from each class (color coordinate with spirals)
  • use a backpack or another type of bag to carry your school supplies in
  • use locker during the schoolday so you don’t have to carry ALL of your materials all of the time

SEEK HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT...

  • check-in with your teacher weekly to ask how you’re doing and what must be done to be caught up (use a progress report if needed)
  • make time for extra help from Teacher, Friends, Family, Literacy Center, or Tutors
  • make time to meet with other professionals if needed to work through other issues that are affecting your ability to concentrate or do your best
  • if you don’t need help and are very confident in a class, reinforce your skills by tutoring someone else in that subject area

GET SUPPORT FROM THOSE YOU FEEL CLOSE TO...

  • ask friends for support in helping you to prioritize schoolwork daily
  • find study buddies who have similar values/priorities as you regarding school
  • ask your employer for flexibility in not working more than 20 hours per week and working shifts around important school-related things
  • ask family members to support you in study routine and in problem-solving when needed

USE SELF-DISCIPLINE TO GET THINGS DONE…

  • plan a routine time to do your schoolwork
  • have a space that contains all of the right things to help you want to study there
    • Music or no music?
    • TV or no TV?
    •  Windows, Light, Something to drink, A clock?
    • Supplies like paper, erasers, pens, and pencils?
  • plan study breaks every 30-45 minutes filled with something you look forward to (not more than 5-10 minutes long)
  • prioritize meals, fun plans, TV Shows (videotape them), texting, and phone calls AROUND study time
  • if your home environment doesn’t allow for getting work done, find another daily work environment like the library, the coffee shop, or other places you like to be
  • use study halls and after school study tables to get as much work done as you can BEFORE you get home
  • hardest homework first, easier homework for last.

HOW YOUR PARENTS CAN HELP YOU...

  • Check your progress on Infinite Campus.
  • Support your “Good Study Habits” above.
  • Support your eating a good breakfast with some protein in it.
  • Support your getting 7 or more hours of sleep at night.
  • Limit gaming and TV hours during the week. Monitor or limit texting and social networking.
  • Maintain at least occasional contact with your support team and teachers (by email, conferences, phone, etc.)
  • Come to the scheduled parent nights for your grade level.
  • Talk with you about when things are going good, not just when they are bad, and try to keep up on your friendships and social issues.
  • Try to increasingly let you do all that you can for yourself instead of doing things for you that you are able to do on your own, and slowly transition their role to that of a collaborator rather than director in your life by senior year.
  • Encourage a balance between academic, extra-curricular, and personal-social time. Increasingly explore ways to express creativity and passions through classes, activities, and learning experiences beyond the classroom. Our internet-based tool, Career Cruising, is a very useful tool to help explore interests, careers, and training beyond high school.