Improving Grades and Understanding

I have been asked many times how my students can improve their grades. Of course I want all my students to get excellent grades, but also to really UNDERSTAND what they are learning and why. Below are some ways I suggest students review and check their understanding.

Spelling
1. For words that are harder or longer, write them 5 times each instead of 3 times.

Grammar
1. Understand and remember the rules that are explained or listed in the textbox on top of grammar worksheets.
2. Go over grammar worksheets that have been graded and fix any questions you got wrong.

Vocabulary
1. Study the definitions for vocab. words of the week.
2. Try using new vocab. words while speaking or writing.

Comprehension
1. Read for FUN as much as you can, even if it is 10 minutes everyday. Find books that are INTERESTING to you (students) and that are APPROPRIATE for your reading level/ age.
2. Really understand what you are reading by asking questions and making connections (text to text, self, or world)!
3. If we are learning about POV, main idea, cause and effect, sequence, compare and contrast, or any other comprehension skill in class, try explaining these to others (a family member). One way to check if you understood a concept is to TEACH it to others.
4. Know the different comprehension skills, what they mean, and some keywords. For example, sequence is events listed in order from beginning to end. Keywords for sequence are first, then, next, after, before, finally, years, etc.

Math
1. Know vocab. words for the chapter and what they mean.
2. Learn keywords for the concept. For example, about means to round, how much more means to subtract, product means the answer to multiplication, etc.
3. Do the inverse operation (opposite) to check your work. For example, check your subtraction by adding you answer to the middle number. If it equals the top or larger number, your answer is correct.

Social Studies and Science
1. Know what all the keywords/ vocab. words mean.
2. Look for text features and use them to help you understand what you are reading. For example, headings on a page tell you what the section or page is about.
3. Make connections (text to text, self, or world).
4. Ask yourself questions to see if you really understood what you are reading.
5. Explain/ teach others what you are learning.