With freedom comes the R word!! :)

It is about this time of year that we start getting panicked phone calls from families. We understand! Getting through the beginning of the year ("launch") can be so busy, that sometimes things fall through the cracks.

You may have been thinking, "That D in science is OK, because next week I will (insert good intention here)."

Now you may be beginning to realize that those good intentions haven't come to fruition, or you may just be having a plain hard time understanding what you are learning!

We are here for you! Please do reach out and check in with your teacher via phone, K-mail, IM or Tutor time if you need any help.

Sometimes, it is hard to know what you need help on, so start somewhere! Maybe you got a 1/5 on your last quiz. That is a perfect starting place!! Go into tutor time and ask to go over the quiz with your teacher. Then, we will be able to determine what is going wrong and how to best help you.

Remember, you have LOTS of freedom in online schooling. However, as the old saying goes, "With freedom comes Responsibility." Gone are the days of sitting in the back of the classroom with your head on the desk "absorbing" the information flying around you. If you don't log in, you won't learn!

Some other things that you should do TODAY if you are not happy with your grade/level of understanding:

1. Set up a schooling schedule. Really. Write it out and stick with it for a minimum of two full weeks. If you don't see improvement in your learning, talk to your teacher.
2. Are you an auditory learner?? Some people understand things better if they hear them. You can do this for yourself!! Read the lesson out loud to yourself. Ask a friend or family member to read it to you. There are also software programs out there that will read for you (many cost some money).
3. Take your time!! "Hurry Scurry work" is never your best. Many struggling students rush through their readings. You need to slow down, be sure you are taking notes and absorbing the information. I often suggest that students read a lesson three times through. First time to get an idea of what you are learning about, second time to take notes and a third reading to cement that knowledge and ensure you got all of the details!

You all rock, and you know it!! Please try some of these suggestions if you are struggling. If you have other suggestions for your classmates, please comment on this post and share! :)