Questions? Comments? Please share below!

A strategy notebook can take many forms and have lots of different content, but the purpose will always be the same: to remind the user of how to approach a specific type of problem, or implement a strategy to complete a task.

I encourage my students to make strategy notebooks at the start of the school year, then add to them over time as they learn new content and skills in their classes. For some of my organizationally-challenged students, I have them use one notebook for all their classes. Other kids make a section in each class binder to use as their "strategy section." No matter where the strategy sheets are, these notebooks should be accessible in classes, while doing homework, and (with teacher permission) during assessments too!

Below are some ideas of what might fill a middle school student's strategy notebook: 

Math strategies:
*Include a written explanation for each step of the process, and a completed example*
How to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions
How to change a mixed number into a fraction and vice-versa
How to find a percent of a total
How to convert between fractions, decimals, and percents

Writing strategies:
Proofreading and self-editing checklists
Lists of brainstormed topics for "free writing" opportunities
Strategies for getting started on a writing assignment
Graphic organizers for different types of writing assignments
A list of steps in the writing process

Reading strategies:
Pre-reading routines like skimming, asking questions, and making predictions
Common prefixes, suffixes, and roots to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words
Prompts to visualize while reading
Annotation symbols for taking margin notes
Comprehension strategies including using context clues, making connections, and inferencing

Mindfulness strategies:
Deep breathing prompts
A guided visualization
Body scan directions
Positive affirmations
Ways to deal with feeling distracted in class

Other ideas? Questions? Please share in the comments section!

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I know that the start of a new school year can be met with varying levels of enthusiasm from students and from parents. It's hard to get back into a routine that necessitates you waking up early, following a more structured schedule for 7-8 hours, and really working that brain!

It's also a great time to "try on" some new things: a growth mindset about your abilities, an openness to trying out new strategies to help you learn and perform, and new ways of interacting with teachers and other students. Below are 3 things students and parents can try in the first few weeks of school, to help them get off on the right foot. Leave a comment below to share how it goes! 

1. Introduce yourself to someone you have never met before. This could be a new student, your new teacher, or another parent. Ask him or her questions (related to school or not). See what you have in common, and how you might be able to connect! Even if it doesn't lead to a new friendship, you'll be more comfortable when you cross paths with that person in the future, and it never hurts to familiarize yourself with people who will surround you for the rest of the school year! 

2. Write out and post a plan for getting and staying organized throughout the school year. Where will backpacks, lunch boxes, and sports equipment be dumped when you get home? Who is responsible for making sure you leave with everything you need for the day? When will this be packed up, and when and where will homework be completed? Writing this out and posting it somewhere visible gets everyone on the same page, and provides some accountability for who is responsible for what.

3. Practice presence and bring joy to the mundane parts of the day. Do some slow, deep stretching as you brush your teeth in the morning. On the ride to school, visualize an upcoming part of your day, and picture everything going just as you want it to. Take the time to notice how people react when you smile and say hi to them in the hallway. If you feel awkward or overwhelmed at any point, take 5 deep, slow breaths and feel where in your body the breath travels to. At the start of each class period for a whole day, make a list of three things or people you're grateful for. Do one kind thing for someone else every day for one week. 

​Try out some of these suggestions and let us know how things go!