STAYING UP TO DATE AT THE NEST........

Our spring concerts are just around the corner. 

There will be lots of great musicians and fun for everyone.  

All of the concerts will start at 6:30 pm in our Gym.  

Dates are below.

Band Spring Concert – Monday, May 6^th

Orchestra Spring Concert – Tuesday, May 7^th

Chorus Spring Concert – Wednesday, May 8th

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All of our students will be participating in the SC Ready and SC PASS testing scheduled this month.  Below are the dates.  If you have any questions about testing, please contact Mrs. Louise Gill, our Curriculum Specialist, at lgill@richland2.org.

May 9 – SC Ready Writing

May 10 – SC Ready Reading

May 14 – SC Ready Math

May 15 – SC PASS 6 & 7-grades Science

May 15 – SC PASS 7-grade Social Studies 

Study Smart

Effective study methods can vary for each student, but there are some consistent methods that have proven successful for millions of people.  You may need to find what works best for you, but the resources below are a good starting point.

A. “Study Less, Study Smart”

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlU-zDU6aQ0
• While somewhat lengthy, this is a great video by a professor of psychology that breaks down some key components of effective studying.
• A brief summary of some of his main points are:

1. Break your study sessions into definable chunks (20 - 30 minutes)
1. Take a 5 - 10 minute break and do something fun during the break.
2. Reward yourself after a long study session (one with several chunked sessions)
2. Create a designated study area. (NOT your bed)
1. Label the study area.
2. Avoid studying near other people (unless you are in a study group).
3. Remove distractions.
1. Put all devices in another area where you can use them during your breaks.
3. Be active in your studying.
1. Separate concepts from facts. (concepts are more important and should be put in your own words.)
2. Be sure that you are recalling information, not simply recognizing it (such as when you read over your notes).
3. As soon after class as possible, refine your notes by adding more clarifying information to key sections.
4. Summarize or teach what you’ve learned.
1. Teaching is the best way to demonstrate true understanding.
2. Summarizing information for another will show you the gaps you may have in your own understanding.

B. Other Effective Tips/Strategies

5. Mnemonics
1. Acronyms - ex. Roy G Biv for the light spectrum
2. Coined phrases - “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
3. Image associations
1. Creating a story in your head of connected images that represent facts or concepts.
6. Spaced Repetition Method
1. Modifying the time periods when you study.
2. Index Card “Stack method”
1. 1st stack - review every day (move cards to next stack as you prove to yourself that you know them)
2. 2nd stack - review every other day (follow same rule as first stack)
3. 3rd stack - review once a week (follow same rule as first stack)
4. 4th stack - review once every two weeks
5. 5th stack - retire (you know these) only review day or two before the test to reinforce that you know them.

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