We tend to engage in activities and habits that align with our ‘stories.’ We also tend to interpret our circumstances in terms of our ‘stories.’ This is all fine … unless our stories are not quite right. If our stories are not right, then …
Hack the morning routine: 4 tricks for nailing it before school
Some people awake each morning like majestic, radiant, wing-flapping unicorns. Others just fall out of bed like broken gargoyles. Despite the fact that I fall get out of bed every morning before 6 am, I am most certainly the latter of the two types of …
10 back to school tips that you really need all year
Ready for some back to school tips yet? Yes, I know it feels like summers are getting shorter, but they actually are getting shorter! The reason is that many schools are now moving up their start-date to mid-August. That’s crazy! But no matter when …
Before reading a book, do these 5 things
Whether you are reading for pleasure or for pain an assignment, there are five pre-reading steps that will enhance your entire reading experience. The steps don’t take long, they are simple, and they are completely worth it. I recommend that you eventually establish a habit of methodically …
4 odd but great places to study in
As much as I suggest that you regularly do your homework and studying in the same location – doing so has so many benefits! – there are also advantages to mixing up your study environment from time to time. While coffee shops, book stores and …
Summer reading tips: 3 ways to make summer reading less painful
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Summer reading has a bad reputation. For some people, books and beaches go together as well as pickles and chocolate cake. (I think both combinations sound just fine, actually.) But here’s the thing: Summer reading is obligatory, and so you have …
How to improve your bad grade: 7 essentials
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. If you have a bad grade in a class and you’re totally fine with it, then you don’t even need to watch this video or read the rest of the article. If you have a bad grade in a class and you’re …
How to remember what you study: Best study trick ever
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Have you ever studied something to the point that you really think you know it, but then the next day you forget it all? Like, everything? Yeah. Me too. It used to happen a lot: I would study all night and feel …
How to prevent test anxiety: 7 ways to handle the nerves
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Test anxiety is completely normal. Everyone at some point feels nervous before an assessment. After all, it’s no fun to be measured. Some test anxiety is natural and beneficial because anxiety produces adrenaline, a hormone partially responsible for increased mental and …
5 best school habits of smart students
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. What’s the difference between an A+ student, a C student and an F (oh dear!) student? The obvious answer is that students with higher grades score better on homework and exams than do students pulling off Cs and lower. But have …