6th grade is the start of the Middle School years, and below are some (hopefully) helpful tips & tricks to assist our Falcon Scholars in making the most of this year!

• It's okay to ask for support, everything is new.  This is a new adventure - instead of 1 teacher, you now have several; your friends may or may not be attending the same school as you; it's a new campus - but it's going to be okay.  Ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed or don't know what to do or where to go. 
  
  
• Find friends by making eye contact & being a friend.  A small wave and smile in class can go a long way to breaking the ice.  Don't start up a full conversation during instruction time in class, but if the teacher give you free time in class, or during passing periods, nutrition break or lunch - making eye contact, waving hi and introducing yourself is a great way to start a friendship.
  
  
• Join and participate wherever you are able to.  There may be group work to complete in class, or Spirit Week hosted by ASB, or even an after school club to join.  Look for opportunities to be part of the school community by participating. 
  
  
• It's okay to let an adult know something is wrong.  Sometimes students will stay quiet when uncomfortable, but if something is wrong please let an adult know as soon as possible.  Our Falcon team wants to help support in making positive middle school memories, and if something isn't right, we want to hear about it so we can support in making the correction. 
  
  
• This is a small path, on a much longer journey.  What is learned this year, will be helpful as we go into the next few years of Middle School, and then move into High School, Trade School, College, Universities, and into our career path.  The future is built one day at a time. 

Being told to study may not be as helpful as being told how to study.  Below are some helpful hints to make the most out of your study time: 

• Take notes in class to review later.  Class time is often when we are able to engage with our teachers and obtain feedback or clarification on what is being taught.  Taking notes during class that can be reviewed later will help narrow down topics specifically discussed by the teacher.
  
  
• Learn key words through index study cards.  Remembering full pages of text is not always realistic.  However, learning key words and understanding them is a managable task.  These words are often in bold in textbooks or gone over in depth by the teacher to help narrow down what is relavent to the topic. 
  
  
• Learn more about how you learn.  People all learn information differently. How do you learn best? 
  • Visual or Spatial learners are those who prefer learning by observing things.
  • Auditory or Aurel learners are good listeners who normally learn best through verbal presentations like lectures and speeches. 
  • Verbal or Linguistic learners prefer using words, both in speech and writing. 
  • Physical or Kinetic learners learn best when they can do rather than see or hear.
  • Logical or Mathematical learners function and solve complex problems by employing strategies and their scientific way of thinking.
  • Social or Interpersonal learners know how to communicate effectively and enjoy collaborating with others, brainstorming and discussing ideas and concepts.
  • Solitary or Intrapersonal learners prefer being away from the crowds and learn best in a quiet place where they can focus on the task at hand.
    
    Once you know what type of learning applies best for you, a  pattern of studying is able to be developed that meets your individual needs. 
    
    
• Make studying a priority.  There may be more interesting things to do than studying, but by making it a priority to spend 15 - 30 minutes after school studying, the understanding gained will open pathways to success.