Opinions
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Not your typical back-to-school list |
by Yvanne Dandan
You know those back to school shopping lists that require us to purchase ballpoint pens, highlighters, and sometimes even a fancy (but often overpriced) calculator? Some of you may even be on your way to a local store right now to finish (or start? hah) your school supply shopping! Nonetheless, back to school season is upon us and regardless if you’re a student or a parent of a student, I’m sure you are well acquainted with these back to school shopping lists.
These lists help students physically prepare for school. However, I am a firm believer in also being emotionally, mentally, and spiritually prepared! So it is my pleasure to share with you three things you should include on your back-to-school list!
Find your learning style
There is something you need to know: everyone learns differently. Some people just need to hear the teacher say something once and they will remember it forever. Others will need to write it down repeatedly before it fully sinks in. There are three major learning types: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic.
- Visual learners can benefit from watching lectures, concept maps, colour coding material, and using flash cards
- Auditory learners can assist learning by listening to soft background music, recorded lectures, repeating material aloud, and participating in study groups or discussion
- Hands-on learners can aid themselves by taking frequent study breaks, chewing gum while studying, working while standing, and doing demonstrations or fieldwork.
Understand your stress
This one is a big one, and truthfully, it is something we learn and relearn throughout our lifetime. It is important to be aware of what makes you feel stressed and, more importantly, how to handle your stress. School is often a contributor to stress – heavy work loads, big exams, anticipating test results, etc. So stress is inevitable in the school environment. Prepare by making yourself a list of ideas regarding how to manage your stress. What things, activities, people help alleviate the stress? Make that list and post it somewhere where you can refer it to it throughout the school year.
Healthy habits for the win!
I am a huge believer in the impact of sleep, diet, and lifestyle towards our daily effectiveness. Something like school requires you to exert a certain level of energy and you need fuel to push through the school year. If you haven’t yet, identify the key healthy habits you want to improve and create a plan on how you will incorporate it in your day-to-day life this school year. Maybe you need to sleep more? Eat better? Be more active? Whatever it is, identify it and make a plan to crush it!
These are just a few tips I’d encourage you all to consider as you prepare for this upcoming school year. Everyone wants to have a great school year so let’s make it count and prepare for success!
Wishing you all an amazing back to school season!