School Communications
The start of the school year in the Crystal area is a hectic time for students and their parents. Students have classes to attend, homework to complete, and exams to study for, and in some cases, have to balance sports, extracurricular activities, and social outings. Trying to get everything done, and do it well, is stressful and exhausting. Fortunately, there are time management strategies that students can follow to increase productivity and decrease stress levels.
What are Time Management Strategies for students?
No matter what school that student attends, it is pretty much a guarantee that schedules are full, and time is precious. Following specific strategies to make the most of the time available is exceptionally useful.
Make a List of Priorities for Homework
Looking at assignments and due dates, as well as activity schedules, can be overwhelming. One of the first things to do is to make a list of everything that you have to do and an estimate of how long each item will take. This method helps prioritize time and cuts down on procrastination.
Create an After School Schedule and Stick To It!
One of the best time management strategies is to make a schedule. Utilize the computer, your phone, or a planner to create your plan. Schedule time to work on assignments, participate in activities, socialize, eat, and sleep. This takes a lot of the thinking process out of the equation.
Try to Minimize Homework Distractions
Distractions such as phones, activities, friends, and even pets, can make it challenging to sit down and focus on the task. Parents should set rules around study time to make sure their kids focus all their attention on what needs to be done. There should be no television, cell phone, or computer time unless it is to work on an assignment.
Avoid Waiting Until the Last Minute on Homework Assignments
Many students procrastinate and put off assignments, especially more challenging ones. Being skilled in time management means not waiting until the last minute to start an assignment. Begin studying for a test or writing a paper when it is first assigned to prevent unnecessary stressors, which can negatively affect a grade.
Set Realistic Goals and See Them Through
Goals are essential for increased focus. Some examples of goals include a certain number of pages read in a night, time spent studying for a test, or a defined number of questions to complete.
Focus on One Assignment at a Time
One mistake students make is to multitask, thinking that it will result in more things getting done. However, students are most effective when they focus their attention on one thing at a time. If a student completes one assignment before moving on to the next, less time will be spent in general.
Take Homework & Study Breaks
It may seem counterintuitive, but stepping away from schoolwork every once in a while can increase productivity. Taking a short break, such as 10 minutes for every 30 minutes of work, helps recharge the brain and maintain focus. A brief intermission may consist of stretching, having a snack, or even getting in some exercise, which helps boost brainpower.
Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is also vital when managing time. An exhausted student is not going to function or focus, as well. There should be a set bedtime, to get eight to ten hours of sleep every night.
Be Flexible
Not everything goes according to plan, and some tasks may take longer than expected. A good plan of action is to schedule a little extra time for each assignment and not get upset if the schedule detours due to factors out of their control.
Trust a School that Promotes Students’ Success
The staff at Beacon Academy understands the stress that students face and is well-versed in time management tips. If you are in the Crystal or Minneapolis area and want to learn more about what we have to offer, schedule a tour or contact us today!
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When it comes to your child’s education, it can be difficult to know what route to take. These days, there is a variety of choices, from traditional to online schools. Some, like private schools, are expensive and selective. Because they are both free for students to attend, charter schools and traditional public schools are popular choices, but many parents do not understand the difference between the two.
When it comes to the two types of schools, they can vary greatly depending on the location. However, there are some basic differences. Understanding how the schools differ is important so parents can choose what is best for their child’s needs.
Funding
The funding for public schools comes from the state, and funds are distributed to the schools based on the number of students enrolled. Sometimes this funding is supplemented by local or county districts. Charter schools are funded by the state, but usually not local districts. Many charter schools rely on grants, awards, and fundraising to meet expenses.
Independence
One of the benefits of charter schools is they allow for more independence. The curriculum at traditional public schools typically has a one-size-fits-all style. Charter schools are often started by parents or groups looking for a different method or want to focus on a particular area, such as math or science.
Although charter schools are public and, therefore, must follow the same laws and regulations as public schools, there is more flexibility and freedom to choose the curriculum. This independence allows the schools to focus more on academic excellence than rule-following.
Community Feel
Traditional schools accept children from all over the district. Parents often send their kids to charter schools because they believe in the specific approach the schools were started for in the first place. Charter schools are also usually smaller than public schools. Some charters require parental involvement, and many strongly encourage it. All these factors result in a strong sense of community.
Application
With traditional public schools, students do not need to apply unless they want to attend a school in a different district. In contrast, students do need to apply to attend charter schools. Many schools do not have the space for the demand, so many conduct a lottery to determine which students are accepted.
Education Requirements of Teachers
Most traditional schools require their teachers to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and state certification. The teachers at charter schools often have more flexible certification requirements. However, if a charter school is successful, it may be able to hire more qualified teachers.
Class Size
In general, traditional public schools have larger class sizes than charter schools, but this varies greatly based on the city and state. Because charters are usually smaller schools, class sizes are smaller as well.
Academic Standards
Both public and charter schools have academic standards that must be met. Students of both must participate in the standardized testing required by the state or district. There tends to be more of a focus on achieving academic excellence in charter schools because if certain standards are not met, a charter can be shut down. Charters are also accountable to the families and communities, as parents may choose to take their children out of the school or not send them at all if the schools are not meeting goals.
Visit Beacon Academy to Learn More About Minnesota Charter School Benefits Today!
If you are looking for a charter school in the Twin Cities area, you should visit Beacon Academy. It is focused on achieving results in a family-friendly community environment. The curriculum includes basic subjects as well as arts, music, and Spanish.
Beacon Academy is located in Crystal, at the intersection of 35th Ave N and Nevada Ave N. Unlike many other charter schools that do not offer transportation for students, Beach Academy offers busing at no cost to families. Schedule a tour to see what we have to offer and why your child should enroll.
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