By Donna Robinson, Educator & Skate Mom
Before leaving for the competition, make a master list of everything you need to accomplish for your classes. Be sure you have talked to all of your teachers and have a list of as many assignments as possible to finish on the trip. Connect with a friend in each class to keep track of any extra assignments given while you are gone. Use a phone calling card to call classmates and keep up with your assignments during travel.
Pack all needed school supplies: calculator, dictionary, pens, pencils, highlighters, paper, assignment notebook, Franklin translator or dictionary, etc.
Copy pertinent chapters from texts you may have a quiz or test on upon your return to school.
Spend some quality time studying each day; read and review. Do not wait until the last day to start. Break assignments into small, manageable steps or parts. You will be tired from the competition and overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be completed.
Organize with another girl on the trip for study times while traveling or in the room. Study 30 minutes then have a break. Study for another 45 minutes and have another break. (Reduce these times for younger students.)
If you get stuck on an assignment, find a peer tutor on your team or even better on another team. Look for girls who are strong in a certain subject area. Study in a small group and have someone be the time manager (time manager gives you a break).
Use good techniques, follow the SQ3R (S=Survey, Q=Question, 3R=Read, Review and Recite and Write) method to study when you cannot be in school to learn new materials from your teachers.
Study -- Skate Great and Have a wonderful time. Balance is an important part of sports!
