The Shoemaker Bugle

By Mario Ruiz

Learning how to stay organized, stay focused, and get things done are must-haves when it comes to school. This can help you in many ways, by achieving your goals, and getting good grades for the semester. The more you practice, the better you get.

Getting Organized

What you want to do when it comes to getting better grades is to organize your stuff. Being organized makes everything so much better. It helps you work way faster, and it will not waste your time when you have to look for your stuff. Keep your work and assignments organized by a subject. If it helps you more, keep your work in a binder.

Organize Your Space

What you need to better focus yourself is to be at a good workspace, but make sure it is quiet enough to focus. What I recommend is to work at a desk, or at a table where you can put your things and spread out your work. Make sure you also have a place where you can focus more quickly. Put some earphones on, and listen to peaceful music. This will help relax the body, and will clear your mind to help you better focus yourself.

Organize your time

Buy a planner, or even make your own planner at home to keep track of assignment due dates and times that the teacher gives, or even for things you need to do outside of school. Write down all of your assignments for the subject, and make sure to always write down when they are due. Mark dates for when you have tests; this will help a lot. But you also want to study for them. Don’t do things at the last minute because you will spend more time trying to do that assignment. But one main thing to prepare for any sort of test is to study!

Getting Focused 

The biggest things to avoid are distractions. What I have learned is that when i’m multitasking, I tend to be less focused. Some people concentrate better when it’s quiet. Or others listen to music in the background to help them focus. Take breaks in between. Taking short 5-minute breaks can help your mind. Get up, stretch, and move from your desk or table. Motivate yourself. Motivating yourself will make you want to work harder, and it will make you want to accomplish more of your goals.

Tips to Keep in Mind

• Make a calendar of things and when they are due.
• Make a note of your assignment deadlines.
• Know the expectations of you and your teachers.
• Take breaks. Trust me, it will help you!
• Don’t do your work at the last minute–you will struggle.
• Have the proper materials organized.