It’s Back To School Season in Burlington!
As summer comes to an end, teenagers all around Burlington are gearing up for another school year. Going back to school can be a challenging transition, especially for teenagers who are entering a new grade or starting a new school! This year at Burlington Royal Arts Academy we have many new faces, some arriving from overseas and others joining us after departing the public school system and homeschooling. A lot of change happens this month, and with the right strategies and mindset, students can navigate the back-to-school game with ease and excel academically and socially. This blog post provides expert tips and advice to help teenagers master the back-to-school game and have a successful and fulfilling school year attending a private school in Burlington.
Setting Goals For Success:
One of the key factors in mastering the back-to-school game is setting goals. By having clear and attainable goals in mind, teens can work towards them and stay motivated throughout the school year. At Burlington Royal Arts Academy our teachers start the year off by getting to know the students and co-creating academic, personal and social goals with them. It is a collaborative process, one which has staff and students assessing strengths and needs, and identifying areas that the student wants to improve on or even excel in. Whether it’s achieving specific grades, trying a new academic pathway, getting prepared for a post secondary portfolio submission, or improving time management skills, together we set goals that are meaningful to the student. When goals have personal meaning we are more likely to stay motivated and keep going when things feel challenging.
Time Management Techniques:
Time management is crucial to ensure that you make the most of your school year and avoid unnecessary stress. There’s no point in setting goals if you don’t put in the supports and systems that will ensure success. So let’s take a look at how you can use time management to support you this year as you head back to school.
Start by prioritizing your tasks by making a to-do list based on urgency and importance. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you tackle the most important tasks first. Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule your study and homework sessions as well as extracurricular activities. Having a schedule will help you allocate your time effectively and prevent procrastination. When you know what needs to be done, and in what order, getting started feels much easier!
Another effective time management technique is to break down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. By doing so, you can tackle your assignments and projects bit by bit, which will make them less overwhelming. Additionally, learn to identify and eliminate time-wasting activities that distract you from your goals, such as excessive time spent on social media or video games.
Lastly, don’t forget to give yourself breaks. Allow yourself short breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Use this time to relax, stretch, or engage in activities that recharge your energy. One of the unique features of Burlington Royal Arts Academy is our timetable which allows for 10 minute breaks between classes. We find that our students use this time to recharge, play a bit of music, get some fresh air or whatever else they need before diving into their next class.
Effective Study Habits:
Now that you have mastered the art of time management, it’s important to focus on developing effective study habits. Having the right study techniques in place will not only help you maximize your learning potential but also ensure that you retain information more effectively. As the only private arts school in Burlington, our programming offers a range of classes in the arts, as well as the traditional academic curriculum. Each class has its own structure to learning and having a range of study habit thats you can apply to different classes will ensure your success this school year.
One effective study habit is creating a conducive study environment. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can concentrate without distractions. Make sure this space is well-lit and organized with all the necessary study materials readily available. Having a dedicated study space will allow you to focus and be more productive. At Burlington Royal Arts Academy, our school has several quiet break out rooms that students can use to study, or practice their music.
Another key study habit is setting specific goals for each study session. Break down your study material into smaller, manageable chunks and set targets for what you want to accomplish during each session. This will keep you motivated and help you monitor your progress.
Another great tip is to engage active learning techniques can greatly enhance your understanding and retention of material. Engage in activities such as summarizing concepts in your own words, teaching others, or practicing with flashcards. These techniques promote active thinking and reinforce your learning.
Lastly, discover the study method that works best for you! This might mean trying new things and trying another strategy the next day. Experiment to find what helps you retain information and stay focused, whether it’s creating visual aids, recording yourself, or forming study groups.
Staying Organized:
As a teenager, managing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can be overwhelming. That’s why staying organized is crucial to maintain a sense of control and reduce stress. Having a well-organized system in place will not only help you keep track of deadlines and assignments but also allow you to make the most of your time.
One effective way to stay organized is by using a planner or a digital calendar. Record important dates such as tests, project deadlines, and extracurricular activities. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and assign specific due dates to each. By having a visual representation of your schedule, you can prioritize tasks and allocate time accordingly.
Another important aspect of staying organized is maintaining a neat and clutter-free workspace. Keep your study area tidy by regularly clearing out unnecessary items and organizing your materials. This will not only create a conducive environment for studying but also reduce distractions. This includes your locker! Keeping all of your spaces neat and tidy will make moving through your day stress free and easy.
Try to develop a system to keep track of your assignments and materials. Use folders, binders, or digital folders to store important documents and assignments. Label them accordingly, making it easier to locate and access information when needed. And don’t forget to make use of technology to your advantage! Utilize productivity apps and online tools that can help you stay organized and manage your tasks effectively. There are plenty of apps available that can assist with time management, note-taking, and project organization.
Building Relationships With Teachers and Classmates:
Building positive relationships with your teachers and classmates is an essential aspect of thriving in your academic journey. Developing strong connections with your teachers not only fosters a supportive learning environment but also opens doors to beneficial opportunities such as mentorship and recommendation letters.
To build strong relationships with your teachers, make an effort to actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and seek their guidance when needed. Showing genuine interest in the subject matter and demonstrating a positive attitude can also help you make a lasting impression.
In addition, establishing connections with your classmates can greatly enhance your experience at school. Collaborating with others not only improves your understanding of the material but also creates a network of support and friendship. Engage in group projects, join clubs or extracurricular activities, and attend social events to meet new people who share similar interests. Here at Burlington Royal Arts Academy we find the student body has an immediate common thread that unites us all – our love of the arts. For this reason many students find making friendships easy and enjoyable.
Setting A Routine And Maintaining Balance:
Now that you have learned about overcoming challenges and seeking help, it’s time to focus on setting a routine and maintaining balance in your life. As a teenager, you may have a lot on your plate with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. By establishing a routine, you can ensure that you have enough time for everything without feeling overwhelmed.
Start by creating a schedule that includes a designated time for studying, completing assignments, participating in activities, and relaxing. Stick to this routine as much as possible, but also remember to be flexible when unexpected events arise.
In order to maintain balance, it’s important to prioritize self-care and allow yourself time to recharge. Make sure to include activities that you enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with friends and family, in your schedule. Taking breaks and engaging in activities that bring you joy can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
By setting a routine and maintaining balance, you will be able to effectively manage your time and responsibilities, leading to a more successful and enjoyable back-to-school experience. In the next section, we will discuss the importance of setting goals and staying motivated throughout the school year.
Go With The Flow:
Having said all that we’ve said here, it is important to remember that life and people are always changing. What works in one day may not work in another, your needs and preferences may shift as you grow and change. Keeping a growth mindset at the forefront and remember that things will shift and change as we grow and evolve and that this is a good thing. Here at Burlington Royal Arts Academy our staff are eager to support students academically, emotionally and with their social development.
Are you interested in joining Burlington’s only private arts focused school?
Contact us today to book your tour!
