Do your students underachieve in middle school? Work habits, time management and organizational skills are essential for achievement in middle school and beyond! Available in print and digital.
The Middle School Student’s Guide to Ruling the World!* *Through Work Management and Organizational Skills
By Susan Mulcaire
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The Middle School Student’s Guide to Ruling the World!*
* Through Work Management and Organizational Skills
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This book belongs to:
www.middleschoolguide.com
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© 2006 by Susan Mulcaire All rights reserved. The contents of this book and the teaching process are protected by intellectual property laws. Tween Publishing LLC grants permission to noncommercial users to provide instruction based on the content of this book and to photocopy designated reproducible pages from this book. No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, write to: Tween Publishing LLC, P.O. Box 8677, Newport Beach, CA 92658-8677 or contact Tween by email at info@middleschoolguide.com ISBN 0-9785210-0-5
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to The Middle School Student’s Guide to Ruling the World! Middle School Confidential: Students Only! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Some Good News and Some Bad News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Scandal Rocks Ms. Readmore’s Language Arts Class! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Meet the Organizationally-Challenged Students of U.B. Smart Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 The Journey Begins with a Mysterious Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Truth or Dare? How Do You Rate Your Organizational Skills? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 The First Stop: The Middle School Tool Shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Tool Number One: The Binder Scattered Sara Designs a Goof-Proof Binder System™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Tool Number Two: The Planner Chronically Disorganized Chris Gets Help for a Case of PPD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Tool Number Three: The Study Bud Awesome Study Buds for Larry! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Tool Number Four: The Teacher How to Impress a Middle School Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Tool Number Five: Class Notes Tun’n in & Tak’n Notes with Polly (and Molly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Tool Number Six: Your Workspace Larry’s List for a Workspace that Rocks! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Tool Number Seven: The Rubric Jamal Learns to Follow the Rules of Rubric Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Tool Number Eight: The Computer Perfect Polly Ponders the Possibilities: can ur cmputr b 4 mor than im’s? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98 Tool Number Nine: The “Write Stuff” Jamal’s Essay Gets an Extreme Makeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108 Tool Number Ten: The Mental Checklist Polly Experiences the Amazing Powers of the Mental Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 PRODUCT PREVIEW
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The Second Stop: The Homework Detective Agency . . . . . . . . . . . .126 The Case of the Nasty Homework Habits On the Case with Ace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 A Homework “Stake Out” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130 Detect, Correct and Solve the Case! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 The Case of the Sneaky Social Studies Project What’s Stalking the Students of U.B. Smart Middle School? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135 WARNING! A Special Bulletin Concerning a Threat to Middle School Students . . . . . . . . . . . .136 Detect, Correct and Solve the Case! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 The Mystery of the Missing Assignments Chris Receives a Mysterious Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 Ace Lets Chris in on a Secret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Ace’s 5 Easy Steps for Making a Homework Tracking Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144 Detect, Correct and Solve the Case! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146 The Third Stop: Motivation Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148 The Quest, the Method, the Challenge (and the Cheats) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151 Level One: What is a Goal, and Why Are Goals Important in Middle School? . . . . . . . . . . . . .152 Level Two: What Goals Should a Student Have for Middle School? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154 Level Three: What is the Goaldilock’s Rule of Goal Setting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156 Level Four: What About Activity and Interest Goals? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Level Five: Rewards in Middle School? (Hint: So Long Stickers and Stars!) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160 Level Six: How is a Goalbuster Like Kryptonite? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162 Level Seven: What’s with the Attitude? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164 Level Eight: The Final Challenge—Can You Put It All Together? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166 PRODUCT PREVIEW
The Last Stop: On Top of the World! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
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Students Only!
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Benefits of a well-managed workload: 3 Less stress 3 Better grades 3 More self-confidence 3 More Free Time
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Good News and Bad News
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Describe the Students’ Errors: NEWSFLASH! Scandal in Ms. Readmore’s Class
Scandal Rocks Ms. Readmore’s Class!
By R.E. PORTER Shocking news from U.B. Smart Middle School! Five organizationally-challenged students have been discovered in Ms. Readmore’s 3rd period Language Arts class. These chronically disorganized kids lack basic Readmore was able to identify the students by their late and missing assignments, disastrous binder conditions, empty planners, overdue library books and general confusion about school. Study the picture on page 9. Can you find them? Circle the students you see making work management and organizational errors. Then, describe their errors in the space provided. work management and organizational skills. Ms.
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HINT! There are more than 10 errors in the picture.
How did you do? Check your answers on pages 10 and 11.
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Meet the Students
Meet the Organizationally-Challenged Students of U.B. Smart Middle School
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Meet Chronically Disorganized Chris. On the outside he’s cool, he’s popular, he’s laid back. On the inside, he’s a bundle of nerves. His parents are always on him about his grades and think he’s a slacker. He barely keeps up with homework. He forgot his language arts book at home, so he brought his math book to class instead, hoping Ms. Readmore won’t notice. (She will.) His planner is open, but nothing’s written in it. This is not unusual for Chris. Some of his teachers think his head is as empty as his planner, but don’t be too sure! Chris’s errors: forgetting his book at home, not using his planner, missing assignments.
This is Scattered Sara. She’s bright, but just can’t seem to get organized. What are Sara’s errors? Check it out: While Ms. Readmore is instructing the class about Wednesday’s test, she’s busy chatting with her friend Polly. She’s written down the wrong date for the test, and hasn’t listened to anything her teacher’s said. She’s lost so many worksheets, assignments and permission slips, she’s beginning to think her backpack is a mysterious vortex, sucking her papers into another dimension. Sara’s errors: lost permission slip, wrong test date in planner, messy binder and backpack, distracted in class.
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Meet the Students
Late Larry. Obviously, Larry is late for class. That might have something to do with the fact that his watch says it’s 10:00, but the actual time is 10:10. Last night he stayed up too late finishing his homework which, incidentally, has fallen out of his backpack. Five missing assignments have brought his grade in the class down to a D. Between football practice and flirting with cheerleaders, Larry thinks he has no time to get organized. As he approaches the classroom door he’s working on the excuses he’ll give Ms. Readmore when she asks why he’s late to class (again) and where his homework is (again). Larry’s errors: tardies, missing assignments, disastrous backpack conditions, lost homework, nasty homework habits. PRODUCT PREVIEW Say hello to Perfect Polly. Her hair is perfect. Her clothes are perfect. She
always looks super organized— like she’s got everything under control. But Polly has a dirty little secret: She’s a fake, a total poser. She’s totally dependent on her mother to keep track of her assignments and responsibilities. Her mom even edits her papers! Polly desperately wants to be more independent, but she’s terrified that without her mother’s “help,” she’ll crash and burn in one semester. Polly doesn’t know it, but her mother has a secret too: She’d like Polly to grow up and be more responsible. Polly’s errors: overdue library books, relying on others to keep track of her responsibilities (check out the reminder notes from Mom) and being so distracted in class that she’s missed out on directions about the test .
This is Jamal. He is shy and quiet. He rarely talks to teachers and doesn’t participate much in class. Although his grades are mostly average, Jamal is not at all an average student. He’s a total brainiac, but his abilities are hidden by his messy and misspelled work. Today Jamal is disappointed because he received a low grade on his paper. Why? Because it contains
misspelled words, punctuation errors and boring vocabulary. Unfortunately, Ms. Readmore can’t recognize the talents of this unassuming middle school genius because she can’t see past the mess and mistakes! The problem is, Jamal is too shy to ask for help! Jamal’s errors: poor quality written work; failing to ask for help; not participating in class. 11
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The Journey Begins!
The Journey Begins with a Mysterious Map
The bell rings and Ms. Readmore dismisses her class. She asks Chris, Sara, Polly, Jamal and Larry to stay a few minutes longer. When the room clears, she gathers the five
disorganized students around her desk. She tells them that she is concerned because, although they are bright and caring students, their lack of work management and organizational skills are holding them back from achieving the success they deserve in middle school. Ms. Readmore explains that with good work management and organizational skills, they will get better grades, have more self-confidence, and
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maybe even have more free time to do the things they really like to do! Ms. Readmore takes a key from her pocket, opens the top
drawer of her desk and removes a neatly rolled document. She opens it up and places it on her desk. Curious, the students draw nearer. To their surprise, it’s a map! But this map is unlike any map they have ever seen.
At the top is U.B. Smart Middle School, but they’ve never heard of the other places—The Middle School Tool Shed, The Homework Detective Agency and Motivation Mountain. Ms. Readmore explains that she has a special assignment for them. She is
sending them on a journey. It is a journey to success in middle school. They are to follow the map and along the way, discover the work management and organizational skills they need for success in middle school and beyond!
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“How about you? How good are your work management and organizational skills? Care to tag along with my students on their journey to success? Do you need to? How about a game of ‘Truth or Dare’ to find out?” 13
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Truth or Dare!
Are you like Chronically Disorganized Chris? Are you more like Scattered Sara or Late Larry? Maybe you’re like Polly who depends too much on others to keep track of her responsibilites, or Jamal, whose genius is masked by his messy work. Take this quiz (if you dare !) Find out the truth about your work management and organizational skills! 5 = Absolutely, always! 4 = Well, almost always! 3 = Sometimes… 2 = Hardly ever! 1 = No, Never! Truth? How do you rate your skills?
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My binder is organized by class and the contents are easy to find. My essays, reports and written work are neat, with no spelling or punctuation errors.
5 4 3 2 1
5 4 3 2 1
I do my homework in a quiet, private place.
5 4 3 2 1 5 4 3 2 1
My homework space is stocked with all the homework supplies I need. I have a reliable friend in each of my classes whom I contact when I have a question about an assignment and I have their phone number in my binder.
5 4 3 2 1
I use a thesaurus when I write papers and essays.
5 4 3 2 1
I know of helpful homework websites for every subject I am studying.
5 4 3 2 1
In class, I listen carefully for information about homework assignments or projects and I write the information in my planner right away.
5 4 3 2 1
I check my school's website at least twice a week.
5 4 3 2 1
I remember all of the things I need to bring to school each day (like homework, books, permission slips, lunch or lunch money,) without having to be reminded by a parent or other grown up. I read and carefully follow the rubric or other directions my teacher gives me for assignments or projects.
5 4 3 2 1
5 4 3 2 1
I feel comfortable asking any of my teachers for help.
5 4 3 2 1
I have an assignment calendaring system and I use it every day.
5 4 3 2 1
My assignments are completed and turned in on time.
5 4 3 2 1
I accurately keyboard at least 20 to 25 words per minute.
5 4 3 2 1
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Your Truth score:
+ + + + =
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Truth or Dare!
or Dare! WARNING! The scoring key changes for these questions:
1 = Absolutely, always! 2 = Well, almost always! 3 = Sometimes… 4 = Hardly ever! 5 = No, Never!
My parents are not satisfied with my grades.
1
2 3 4 5
1 1 PRODUCT PREVIEW 1 1 1 1 1
Fear of being in trouble with my parents or teacher motivates me to get my school work done! 1
2 3 4 5
I forget about test or quiz dates.
2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5
I don’t work as hard at subjects I’m not good in.
With regard to finishing projects, I am the king/queen of the last minute rush! 1
2 3 4 5
I put off doing my homework for as long as possible.
2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5
I have missing assignments.
I dread working on group projects.
2 3 4 5
I misplace papers, packets, worksheets or other materials my teacher provides for me. I rely on my mom, dad or other adult to keep track of my schedule.
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
I listen to music, watch t.v. or talk to others as I do homework.
1
2 3 4 5
I have gotten so frustrated over homework or a school project that I have cried, yelled or pitched a fit. 1 My mom, dad or other adult has gotten so frustrated with me over my homework or a school project that they have cried, yelled or pitched a fit. 1
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
I hope my teacher won’t call on me in class.
1
2 3 4 5
I put papers loose into my backpack or locker.
1
2 3 4 5
Your Dare score:
+ + + + =
Truth Score + Dare Score = Check your organizational profile on the next page
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Truth or Dare!
If you scored between 100 and 129
If you scored between 130 and 150
Not bad! Your work management and organizational system could use a boost, but so far you’ve kept out of trouble. You depend a little too much on a parent or other grown up to remind you of your responsibilities and to keep track of your schedule. You don’t use your planner consistently, but know that you should. Like Sara, you probably socialize in class, sometimes missing out
on what your teacher says. You occasionally stay up late to finish PRODUCT PREVIEW
Congratulations! You are a motivated student and have developed excellent organizational skills at a young age. Unlike Polly, you handle your schedule, responsibilities and workload independently. You do not rely on your mom, dad or other adult for help. Your assignments are never late. Your papers are perfect. You use your planner like a pro. You’re totally awesome! Are you for real?
homework or to complete a project. You worry that when the work load increases, you may not have the skills to manage it.
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Truth or Dare!
If you scored between 64 and 99
If you scored between 30 and 63
Hmm… your work management and organizational skills are definitely on the slim side. You’re a capable student but, like Jamal, your talents are often masked by the poor or rushed quality of your work. Like Larry, you may have missing assignments, or turn in homework late, which drags down your grade. You don’t use your planner much, and your binder and backpack are a mess. You’re distracted by things that are more interesting than school (who isn’t?). Your parents think you’re not trying hard enough. You do try, but you just can’t seem to stay on top of all the work!
Whoa! You’ve got a lot in common with Chris. You look cool, but you’re living on the edge! Your binders are a mess—your locker and backpack are too. You complete assignments at the last PRODUCT PREVIEW minute. You don’t participate much in class because you’re afraid that your answers will reveal to the teacher how little studying or reading you’ve actually done. You’re a smart kid, but you’d never know it by the grades you’ve been getting! You sometimes forget to bring your homework to school and without help, have trouble seeing projects through to the end. You’re tired of your parents and teachers nagging at you about your work habits and grades. Guess what? They’re tired of it too!
“High score? Low score? No score? No worries! Join the journey! Tag along with Sara, Chris, Jamal and the rest of the chronically disorganized kids of U.B. Smart Middle School on their journey to success in middle school.”
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Notes:
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first stop: the middle school tool shed! STOP
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FIRST STOP
The Middle School Tool Shed
W elcome to the Middle School Tool Shed, the first stop on the journey to success in middle school. Everyone knows that to do a good job, you need to use the right
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tools. Having the right tools and using them correctly, makes any job easier. Did you know that there are tools for middle school students? Not hammers or saws, but tools to help them manage and organize their school work. Step inside the Middle School Tool Shed and discover the 10 tools every student needs to succeed!
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The Binder Tool Number 1: he journey to success in middle school starts with an organized binder. An organized binder is a valuable tool for saving time and keeping track of your school work. Think of your binder as sort of a compact file cabinet that you carry T
around all day to file and retrieve handouts, notes, information and homework. The goal is to create a system that lets you file papers in an organized way, so that they can be easily located and quickly retrieved. Whether school has just started, or you’re in the middle of a school year, take the time to organize your binder into a “Goof- Proof™” system! PRODUCT PREVIEW
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
SCATTERED SARA DESIGNS A
BINDER SYSTEM
Poor Scattered Sara, always searching for assignments, homework and handouts! She’s decided that it’s time to get her binder organized. For
obvious reasons, the file-cabinet approach wasn’t practical. After visiting the Middle School Tool Shed, Sara designed a binder system that’s easy to use and lets her store, organize and retrieve her papers quickly. In this chapter, Sara shares the secret of her Goof- Proof Binder System with you.
Sara’s Goof-Proof Binder System PRODUCT PREVIEW
“OK everybody, listen up! In middle school it’s important to have an organized binder. An organized binder helps you keep papers filed in the right place, so they won’t get lost. It also helps you find important information fast, like class schedules, study guides and reading lists. Believe me, having an organized binder makes middle school life a lot easier! “Most teachers let students decide for themselves what
kind of binders to use and how to organize them. But some schools or teachers have specific rules about binders. So, if your teacher gives you instructions for organizing a class binder, follow them carefully!”
CAUTION!
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
Binder Styles There are many different binder styles and sizes. The capacity of a binder (that means how much stuff it will hold) is determined by the size of the binder rings. Rings for school binders can be anywhere from one half inch (1/2") to three inches (3"). Some binders fasten with Velcro, others zip. Some come with pockets, some with pencil bags. With so many choices, it should be easy to find a binder style that’s right for you. Here’s how:
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Standard Style vs. Notebook Style A standard style binder is a three-ring, vinyl binder. They come in all sizes and colors. A standard binder with 1/2" to 1" rings is just right for holding materials for one class. If you want to put materials for more than one class in a standard binder, look for one with rings that are 1.5" or larger. A notebook style binder has three rings, a larger capacity and can easily hold materials for more than one class. The exterior of the binder is made of a water resistant material and it closes by zipper or Velcro. Some come with built in pockets and pencil bags.
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
How Many Binders Will You Need? After deciding what style of binder is best for you, figure out how many you’ll need. To do this, make a list of your middle school classes. Include activities you’re involved in like clubs, band or the school play. Circle “a.m.” if it’s a morning class, and “p.m.” if it’s an afternoon class.
1. History PRODUCT PREVIEW 2. Language Arts Here’s my list of classes and activities
am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm
3. Drama 4. Science
5. Math 6. Tech 7. Band
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
Make YOUR list of classes and activities here.
1.
am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm
2. 3. 4.
OK, Now Count up Your Classes! If you plan to use a separate binder for each class and activity, you’ll need one binder for each class and activity on your list. Try using a different color for each class and activity. That will help you tell your binders apart when you’re in a rush! If you plan to put materials for more than one class in your binder, try using one binder for morning classes and another binder for afternoon classes. Use a standard binder for after- school activities, like the band or the school play. PRODUCT PREVIEW
5.
6.
7.
I use two notebook style binders. One holds the materials for my three morning classes. The other holds materials for my afternoon classes. At lunch break, I go to my locker and switch binders!
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
Now let’s get the inside of your binder organized!
1. Subject dividers. Always keep papers, handouts and homework separated by class . Science handouts belong in the science section of your binder, math papers belong in the math section—you get it. Subject dividers are great, because they make it easy to keep materials separated by class. Plastic subject dividers are best because they won’t rip or tear, and fall out of your binder. 2. Plastic sheet protectors. Sheet protectors are cool because they preserve and protect all of your important class handouts. Always use sheet protectors to hold things like your class schedule, course syllabus, class rules and expectations, reading lists, supply lists, rubrics, grading policies and grade logs—stuff you have to keep in your binder to refer to during the school year. 3. Binder paper. Most middle schools require students to use wide-ruled binder paper . Any brand will do. (Some math teachers want students to use graph paper. Check with your math teacher about that.) 4. Two-pocket folder. A three hole-punched, 2-pocket folder is great for holding worksheets, handouts and homework—stuff you have to move in and out of your binder each day. Poly Pocket folders are made of a plastic-like material and are best because they won’t rip or tear and fall out of your binder.
What goes inside your
binder to make it Goof-Proof? Binder inserts (also called binder accessories) are an important part of the Goof-Proof Binder System. Whatever style of binder you choose to use, these inserts will help keep the inside of your binder organized!
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
Write your name here
‘s
4 Got It!
Goof-Proof BINDER SHOPPING LIST
1. Standard vinyl or notebook style binders. How many? ___________________
Here’s a Goof-Proof Binder Shopping List that you can copy and use when you shop for your Goof-Proof Binder! You can also go to: www.middleschoolguide.com to download and print this form!
2. Plastic subject dividers. One (1) plastic three hole-punched subject divider (with tab labels) for each class and activity on your list. (You’ll need about 7 or 8 of these.) 3. Plastic sheet protectors. Clear, top-loading standard weight sheet protectors. (You’ll need 50 or more of these!) 4. Binder paper. Wide-ruled. Buy extra binder paper to store in your desk at home. If you use graph paper for math, be sure to buy some. 5. Plastic pocket folder. A 2-pocket, three-hole punched (Poly Pocket) folder for each class and activity on your list.
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6. One permanent marker (black) or a label maker.
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
Putting It All Together! You’re doing great! Once you’ve got your binders and binder inserts, you’re good to go. Just follow these easy steps to assemble your very own Goof-Proof Binder!
Find a large space to work in, like the kitchen table or living room floor. Place one binder in front of you and open it up. Step 1
Take one plastic subject divider and, starting with the first class or activity on your “Class and Activity List,” use the permanent marker (or label maker) to label the tab of the subject divider with the name of the class or activity. PRODUCT PREVIEW Step 2
Step 3
Place the labeled plastic subject divider into your binder, laying to the left side.
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Step 4
Tool Number 1: The Binder
Place five or six plastic sheet protectors behind the subject divider. Sheet protectors hold class handouts that you’ll need to use or refer to throughout the school year, such as the class schedule , syllabus , rules , project rubrics and reading lists . If your teacher gives you a multiple page handout that has been stapled together, pull it apart and place each page in a sheet protector so each page can be seen. As you receive updated handouts, remove the old ones and replace them with the new ones.
Step 5 PRODUCT PREVIEW
Place 20–25 sheets of binder paper (or graph paper in the case of math) behind the sheet protectors. The binder paper is for homework , class notes , in- class assignments , tests and quizzes . Refill binder paper as needed.
Step 6
Place a 2-pocket folder behind the binder paper section. Open it up. Label the left side of the pocket folder “Handouts &Worksheets.” Label the right side “Homework/Graded Papers/Signed Forms.” The left pocket holds regular class handouts like worksheets and study guides . The right pocket holds your finished homework , graded papers and forms that need to be signed and returned to school . Always place your homework in the right pocket when you finish it. Remove graded papers and store them at home.
Step 7
Repeat Steps 2–6 for each class and activity on your Class and Activity list.
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First Stop: The Middle School Tool Shed
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
When assembled, a subject section of your binder should look like this:
20–25 sheets of wide-ruled binder paper (or graph paper for math).
2-pocket folder with the right pocket for homework, graded papers and forms that need to be signed and returned to school. The left pocket holds handouts and worksheets.
PRODUCT PREVIEW
Plastic subject divider with the tab labeled with the name of the class or activity.
Sheet protectors to hold important class handouts that you need to refer to throughout the school year.
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The Middle School Student’s Guide to Ruling the World!
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Tool Number 1: The Binder
BuST ThaT CluTTeR! Binders that are stuffed with old papers and handouts won’t be Goof-Proof for long, so bust that clutter! Toss out papers you don’t need. Store graded papers, notes and old handouts at home. CAUTION!
YOuR BaCKPaCK IS NOT YOuR BINDeR! Papers belong in your binder, never shoved loose into your backpack! With the Goof-Proof Binder System, it takes only a few seconds to file papers in the right place. If you don’t have time to file papers in class, keep an extra 2-pocket folder in your backpack. Use it to temporarily hold papers and handouts until you have time to file them in your binder. PRODUCT PREVIEW CAUTION!
DITTO FOR YOuR lOCKeR! Papers that are tossed into your locker will end up
CAUTION!
lost or squished at the bottom, along with last week’s moldy cheese sandwich. If you can’t resist tossing papers into your locker, buy a magnetic filing pocket (available at office supply stores). Place it on the inside of your locker door. Use it to temporarily hold papers and handouts until you have the time to file them in your binder.
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Let’s Practice Middle School Work Management and Organizational Skills! The Goof-Proof Binder
4. Always use plastic sheet protectors to preserve and protect important papers and class handouts, such as: a. class schedules, reading lists and supply lists. b. rubrics, grading policies and grade logs. c. any paper or handout you may need to refer to for any extended period of time. d. all of the above 5. Always keep papers, handouts and homework separated by: a. day. b. alphabetical order. c. class. d. none of the above. 6. Which of these sandwiches is most frequently found squished and moldy at the bottom of a middle school locker? a. bologna b. cheese c. peanut better and jelly d. I won’t answer such a silly question!
1. An organized binder is important because it helps you: a. keep papers filed in the right place, so they won’t get lost. b. find important information fast. c. store, organize and retrieve papers, homework and handouts quickly. d. all of the above.
PRODUCT PREVIEW
2. A notebook style binder:
a. has a large capacity to hold materials for more than one class. b. closes with a zipper or Velcro. c. has a water resistant exterior. d. all of the above.
3. Your science teacher has given the class instructions for organizing their science binders. You: a. ignore her directions and organize your science binder the way you want. b. tell her that you have a better, goof- proof method. c. carefully follow your science teacher’s instructions. d. none of the above.
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The Middle School Student’s Guide to Ruling the World!
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9. True or false? You can go to www.middleschoolguide.com to download and print as many Goof-Proof Binder Shopping Lists as you need. a. True b. False 10. Select the correct order of binder inserts to assemble a Goof-Proof Binder: a. binder paper, subject divider,
7. If you use single subject binders, you will need _______ binder(s) for each class and activity. a. one b. two c. three d. three hundred 8. Papers should _____________ be shoved loose into your backpack or locker! a. always b. never c. sometimes d. none of the above
PRODUCT PREVIEW
2-pocket folder, sheet protectors. b. subject divider, sheet protectors, binder paper, 2-pocket folder. c. subject divider, 2-pocket folder, sheet protectors, binder paper. d. sheet protectors, subject divider, 2-pocket folder, binder paper.
How did you do? Check your answers on page 169.
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First Stop: The Middle School Tool Shed
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Notes:
PRODUCT PREVIEW
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WhaT’S NexT?
TOOl NumBeR 2! PRODUCT PREVIEW
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Tool Number 2: M The Planner ost middle schools encourage students to use a daily planner or calendaring system to keep track of assignments, projects and activities. PRODUCT PREVIEW The problem is, some students don’t use a planner because they think it’s too hard to use, too much trouble or not worth the effort. But, used correctly and consistently, a planner is a valuable tool to help middle school students stay organized and manage their workload. Check it out. Learning to use a planner is as easy as 1-2-3!
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PRODUCT PREVIEW
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Middle School Confidential: Students Only! This book is not for your teacher and it’s not for your parents. It was written just for you— the middle school (or soon-to-be middle school) student.
This book won’t help you dominate the middle school social scene, or deal with bullies or queen bees, but it will teach you how to successfully organize and manage your middle school workload . It’s a practical, and sometimes fun, introduction to the basic work manage- ment and organizational skills you’ll need to do well in middle school.
Join the organizationally-challenged students of U.B. Smart Middle School and learn how to: 3 organize a Goof-Proof binder 3 survive a case of “PPD” (Personal Planner Disorder) 3 work with a Study Bud 3 control the dreaded Long Term Project 3 take the “grrr” out of group projects 3 uz ur cmputr 4 mor than im’s 3 impress your middle school teachers 3 take “to do” and “to know” notes in class 3 create a workspace that rocks! 3 use your awesome mental powers to remember daily responsibilities 3 detect and correct nasty homework habits 3 set goals for success in middle school
Benefits of a well-managed workload: • Less stress • Better grades • More independence • More self-confidence
$10.95 to schools and after school programs
www.middleschoolguide.com
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