It's Vacation, But Don't Let Your Mind Turn to Mush!

I don't know about you, but I am already bored. Not saying that I want to go back to school or anything, but I'm bored. School let out on December 17th, which gave me plenty of time to tie up all the loose ends before Christmas. It is one of the wonderful things about teaching in South Texas.

Now that we are on the 9th day of vacation, the 9th day of no obligations, the 9th day of waking up late and taking naps, I'm bored. I'm "ready to go." On the inside, I wish I had the desire to exercise my body, but I've been so physically lazy that my desire is not strong enough to do so. My mind has been resting so much that it isn't anxious to do anything either. HOWEVER, if I don't get my mind moving, it is going to be tough going when school starts again. So, here is my plan:

1. Get online and chat with my friends (reading, writing, thinking)
2. Clean my room (physical movement, decision making--"Where should I put this?"
3. Call a friend (language skills)
4. Cook a meal (focus, physical movement)
5. Do crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search, picure puzzle (critical thinking)

If I do a little bit every day, my mind won't go into shock when classes start up again. Plus, I'll feel a shot of satisfaction each time I complete an activity and I won't feel lazy, which makes me feel guilty.

No matter what, enjoy your vacation--you deserve it!

Signed,
Lora the Study Coach

My Daughter Studies So Hard But With Poor Results

Hello Lora,
I found your blog by searching study coaches on Google. No one showed up in my area of Springfield, MA but you did!

What I have read so far on your blog, I have enjoyed. I just wanted to ask about your study manual. My daughter, a 10th grade A & B student (with an occasional "C" on tests and quizzes), does well but studies hours longer than her friends who get the same grades. She incorporates color coding, flash cards, outlines of notes and keeps a daily planner/calendar and is not a procratinator. These are all ideas I see in many study guide manuals. Does your book offer more suggestions than those that would help a High school student?

Thanks!
Marcia

Does this sound familiar? Are you like Marcia's daughter, studying harder than your friends yet earning the same grades? What I noticed in what Marcia wrote is that her daughter's study methods only include visual stimulation. There is not interaction with others and there is no speaking or listening. I bet that if Marcia's daughter added speaking and listening to her repertoire of study strategies, she would see an improvement in her studying efficiency. I would suggest that she have her friends or parents quiz her on the material and that she quiz them. Also, I would suggest that she talk aloud to herself as she studies. If she is not a visual learner, she may be an auditory one. Also, moving her mouth is a kinesthetic way to put information into her mind. It is amazing how the various parts of the body work together for a common purpose.

Signed,
Lora the Study Coach