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I'm struggling to keep up with the other kids in my grade what are some ways I can bring my grades up and concentrate more on what's going on in my class?

I have some family drama so I've been moving around from school to school missing lots of subjects and important classes I have no idea how to catch up or what I need to do

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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Lorena,

I'm sorry to hear you're facing these challenges, but there are definitely steps you can take to improve your situation. Here are some strategies to help you catch up and stay focused in class:

Catching Up on Missed Material
1. Communicate with Teachers: Talk to your teachers about your situation. They can provide you with resources, extra help, and extensions if needed.
2. Tutoring: Look for tutoring options at your school. Many schools offer free tutoring programs. You can also check community centers or online tutoring services.
3. Study Groups: Join or form a study group with classmates. They can help you understand the material you've missed and provide moral support.
4. Online Resources: Use online educational platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, or YouTube to catch up on subjects you’ve missed.
5. School Counselor: Meet with your school counselor to create a plan for catching up. They can also provide emotional support and connect you with additional resources.

Staying Focused in Class
1. Organize Your Space: Keep your study area organized and free of distractions.
2. Time Management: Use planners or apps to manage your time effectively. Break your study time into manageable chunks and take regular breaks.
3. Healthy Habits: Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. These factors significantly impact concentration and overall well-being.
4. Active Participation: Engage in class by asking questions and participating in discussions. This keeps your mind active and helps you understand the material better.
5. Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practice mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help you stay calm and focused.
6. Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, friends, or family when you're struggling with a concept or assignment.

Dealing with Family Drama
1. Set Boundaries: Try to set boundaries at home to create a quiet and consistent study environment.
2. Support Network: Lean on friends, mentors, or school counselors for emotional support. It’s important to talk about what you’re going through.
3. Professional Help: If family drama is significantly impacting your mental health, consider speaking to a therapist or counselor.

Making Up for Missed Time
1. Summer School: Look into summer school programs to catch up on credits or subjects you've missed.
2. Extra Credit: Ask your teachers if there are any extra credit opportunities or additional assignments you can complete.
3. Consistent Routine: Develop a consistent study routine to stay on top of your schoolwork and gradually catch up.

Remember, it’s important to be patient with yourself and take things one step at a time. You’ve already shown resilience by seeking help and looking for solutions. With the right strategies and support, you can improve your grades and focus in class.

Best wishes.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Chinyere! Lorena
Thank you comment icon Glad I could help! Chinyere Okafor
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Isabel’s Answer

Hello Lorena,

It seems like you're facing a bit of a challenge right now. But don't worry, here are some friendly steps you can take to get back on track with your grades:

Chat with Your Teachers: Don't hesitate to share your situation with your teachers. They're often more than willing to give you a bit of extra time or provide resources to help you catch up on any missed lessons.

Create a Study Plan: Set aside specific hours each day to focus on the subjects you're struggling with. Break it down into manageable steps to make it less overwhelming.

Find Academic Help: Many schools offer tutoring programs or study groups. These can be really useful for understanding tricky concepts and catching up on what you've missed.

Explore Online Learning: Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, or educational YouTube channels can offer extra explanations and practice exercises to help you understand the material better.

Stay Organized: Keep your notes and assignments for each subject in separate, detailed notebooks. This will make it easier to keep track of your notes and upcoming assignments.

Stay Positive and Keep Going: Remember to be patient with yourself. Set goals that you can reach and celebrate every small victory along the way.

Take Care of Yourself: Don't forget to rest, exercise, and eat well. This will help keep you focused and ready to tackle your studies.

And always remember, it's okay to ask for help. Teachers, counselors, and mentors are there to provide advice and support during this challenging time.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Isabel for the advice. Lorena
Thank you comment icon Your welcome! Isabel Dominguez
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Karissa’s Answer

You have a lot to overcome. Right now focus on attendance. Since you move around a lot you are already confused and losing one day will add to this. Also, make sure you are not tardy. Teachers go over the days activities right when class starts and you will feel even more lost if you miss out on this.
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Lorena
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Tracy’s Answer

When you have things going on outside of school - it can be very hard to concentrate on your classes. One suggestion is to get very organized. Start with making sure you have everything you need for each class. If you don’t, reach out to your school counselor. He/she can help.

Next, when you are in class-
Sit in a place that keeps you focused on the speaker. (With no distractions)

Really take time to focus on the key words and vocabulary in class. It is hard to understand concepts if you do not understand the words. Take really good notes.

Before tests, meet with your teacher and go over the notes you have to make sure you have what you need to study.

Remember that school is an important part of your next chapter in life so it is very important to do your best. Take care of yourself by talking to people you can trust.

Check back with your teacher after tests to go over anything you may have missed. Let them know you are working hard to improve your grades.

Hope this helps!!
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PwC’s Answer

First, you should prioritize going to class- and be present and intentional in class. You’ll be surprised by the amount you can absorb by taking detailed notes in class, being curious, and even making eye contact with your professors. After class, I’d recommend taking the time to condense your notes, make a summary. By doing this, you will understand the concepts even more. Lastly, you should study over time and avoid cramming.
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PwC’s Answer

Focus on the study habits that make you succeed. What works for other people doesn’t necessary work for you.
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PwC’s Answer

I will start by saying try to limit how much you compare yourself to others, because everyone is so different. Comparison can often be a thief of happiness. Secondly, I will say if you believe you are doing your best and not seeing the results, definitely reach out to your teacher. They love to see students that take initiative and care about their learning and performance. Your teacher will have the best advice and resources for you to succeed, since they are the ones grading your work!
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PwC’s Answer

First, you should prioritize going to class- and be present and intentional in class. You’ll be surprised by the amount you can absorb by taking detailed notes in class, being curious, and even making eye contact with your professors. After class, I’d recommend taking the time to condense your notes, make a summary. By doing this, you will understand the concepts even more. Lastly, you should study over time and avoid cramming. Studying 30 minutes to an hour per day will yield much better results than 4-6 hours on the eve of an exam. On exam day, eat a good breakfast, rest well, and stay calm. You got it! Good luck!
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PwC’s Answer

If you are comfortable, honestly talk to your teacher. If they are a good teacher they will find a way to help you understand the content they are teaching. Maybe stay at lunch and see if they can tutor you for a bit for your struggling areas. Also if you can find friends that understand the content very well, those people are the best people to explain their thinking to you. Ask MANY other people how they solve problems, maybe you’ll find someone with a method that clicks for you 😊 DONT WORRY YOU GOT THIS!!! You’re not the only one who feels this way, and know that if you keep working at it and trying (and failing) you will get it!
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PwC’s Answer

Talk to your teachers/professors every chance you get. Go to office hours and get help, stay after class to ask questions and get to know them. They want to help you succeed and the more effort you show them you’re willing to give, the more effort they’ll give you in return.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Lorena!

1. Develop a Study Schedule: To stay organized and maintain focus, it's important to create a stable study schedule. Dedicate specific periods each day for studying and doing homework. This approach will help you manage your time well and guarantee that you're allotting sufficient time to each subject.

2. Connect with Teachers: If you're struggling with certain topics, don't hesitate to ask your teachers for extra help or clarification. They are there to assist you and can offer valuable advice on how to make up for any missed material.

3. Use Available Resources: Make use of resources like textbooks, online tutorials, educational websites, and study groups to enhance your learning. These resources can provide further explanations and practice opportunities to help you understand complex concepts.

4. Focus on Key Subjects: Identify the subjects that need the most attention and prioritize them. By focusing your studies based on importance or difficulty, you can use your time more efficiently and make substantial progress in those areas.

5. Maintain Organization: Keep a record of assignments, deadlines, and important dates using a planner or digital calendar. Being organized will help you keep up with your responsibilities and avoid last-minute cramming or missed deadlines.

6. Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and take breaks when necessary. Managing stress levels is key to maintaining focus and concentration in class.
[Read my Autobiography at the end of the "About James Constantine" section where I answer the question: In simple terms, what do you do at work? This section is about Nutrition, which can significantly boost your academic performance.]

7. Create Achievable Goals: Set realistic academic goals for yourself, such as improving grades in certain subjects or finishing assignments ahead of time. Breaking down larger goals into smaller tasks can make them more manageable and motivate you to keep going.

8. Discuss with Your Family: If family issues are hindering your focus on schoolwork, consider having an honest discussion with your family members about how their actions are affecting your academics. Seeking support from trusted adults or counselors can also offer guidance on handling family-related stress.

9. Explore Tutoring Services: If you're having difficulty with certain subjects despite your best efforts, consider using tutoring services either through your school or private tutors. A tutor can provide personalized help tailored to your specific needs.

By applying these strategies and seeking help from teachers, classmates, and family, you can enhance your academic performance, make up for missed material, and improve your overall learning experience.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

American Psychological Association (APA) - The APA offers evidence-based advice on stress management techniques for students facing academic pressure.

National Education Association (NEA) - The NEA provides resources on effective study habits and strategies for students who are academically challenged.

Mayo Clinic - The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the significance of self-care practices in managing stress and boosting concentration levels among students.

These sources were used to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the advice offered to address your concerns about academic performance and focus in class.

God Bless,
JC.
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Mahadev’s Answer

The most significant challenge we often face in life is dealing with family issues, something we've all likely encountered. Now, it's your turn to navigate this family's journey, absorbing the ups and downs as valuable life lessons. Staying focused might be tough, but practicing meditation can help you concentrate on the here and now, as well as your career. Remember, every situation, no matter how difficult, has a beginning and an end. So, there's no need to worry.
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Tiffany’s Answer

It sounds like you are going to need extra support, so don't rely just on yourself. One thing you can try on your own is sticking to a time limit. Once you are done reading, you are done reading. That's it. You can't read extra. You can't try one line more. You have to stop. When you have so much going on in your life, close the book and say "...and we're done." You might panic at first because you still aren't completely finished with the book, but if you stick to it, it will be finished. It's one less thing on your plate. Small goals.

Good luck! You're smart and courageous enough to ask in the midst of all that is occurring.
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Jerome’s Answer

My child was also pretty rough. I promise you things get better. Sit in front of class to limit distractions. If teachers offer help before or after school, take advantage of it. There are programs your school might offer that could help support your education.

Hope things get better for you.
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PwC’s Answer

Speak with your professors and ask for help when needed. Work hard and try your best. At the end of the day, grades are only one piece of your college experience- don’t get too bogged down stressing about them!
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PwC’s Answer

Professors are often very willing to be supportive resources to you if you make the effort to reach out. Another great avenue is joining clubs relating to your major of choice and trying to connect with older members. Often they will be willing to give you advice on classes to take, great professors for specific classes, study habits that work for them, and general advice to help you succeed!
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PwC’s Answer

Learn from your mistakes and put in the extra work! Also talk to your teachers and mentors about specific ways to improve. Always stay positive and keep a growth mindset!
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Tammy’s Answer

Chinyere also mentioned this but make an appointment to talk with your school counselor when the year starts. The school counselor is a confidential and safe place that you can openly talk about what’s going on at home and also discuss a plan for your academic goals. Your counselor is knowledgeable about the credits you need and the right selection of classes to take to help you get on track. The counselor can also provide you with emotional support as you deal with family drama. They should have information on tutoring and credit recovery programs as well if that’s something you need.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Lorena
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PwC’s Answer

Go at your own pace. Trust in God’s perfect timing! Everyone is on their own journey as cliche as it sounds. Embrace every second and be
present.
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PwC’s Answer

The first thing to do would be not to compare yourself to others! The most important thing to focus on is to be better than you were yesterday. Apply yourself every day and be a better version than your last.
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