Study Tips

Bible Memory Policy:

Students memorize verses and be tested once a week on Fridays (exceptions noted in class and on the Edline calendar).

Tests will be in written form. Verses, including full (not abbreviated) references, must be memorized exactly, including spelling (using the NIV).

Grading will be the number of words missed divided by the total number of words, times 100. Words such as "and", "the", "a", "an", "of", etc. will only be one point. Spelling will count as a half of a point. Words that should be capitalized and aren't will have a half of a point taken off. In addition, words that should not be capitalized and are will also have half of a point taken off. Punctuation will be extra credit (half a point each, excluding periods).

Ex: Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

There are 8 small words (in italics) at one point each. 100-8 = 92. There are 16 regular words. 92/16= 5.75 so those words are 5.75 points each. This obviously will changed, based on the length of the verse.

Verse Study Tips:

Here are some ways to learn and practice your Bible verses: (many ideas are from the students)

  • Break it up into smaller pieces (one way is by punctuation).
  • Write it on index cards (whole or in parts).
  • Have someone quiz you orally (which is great to do, as long as you practice writing it out before the test).
  • Write it several times, and check it by comparing it to the original. Include spelling and punctuation.
  • Make it into a song.
  • If you recite it orally, include the punctuation aloud. Ex: "If one of you says to him comma".
  • If you spell a word wrong, write it several times to learn it.
  • Read the verse aloud several times, then try to do it without looking.
  • Quiz with other students.
  • Pretend it's a play and those are lines for you to memorize.

    Language Arts: Spelling

    Students are introduced to a new spelling list each week. We go over the words in class, including pronunciation, definitions, patterns in the list, rules if applicable, and ways to remember how to spell them. I do not give spelling homework. By sixth grade, I think students each know their best way to remember spelling words. The spelling test will be every Wednesday (exceptions noted on the Edline calendar and in class).

    Here are some ways to learn and practice spelling words: (many ideas are from the students)

  • Write the words several times.
  • Do a practice spelling test. A parent says the words, one at a time, and the student writes it down. The parents will then correct the words and the student should write the wrong words several times (you decide how many). Another practice test later would be beneficial. When saying the words, it should be word, sentence, word. (ex: "Accept. Please accept my gift. Accept.")
  • Have a spelling bee and see how many words your child can spell aloud.
  • Trace the words.
  • Break the word into syllables to make it easier. (ex.: "continue": con-tin-ue)
  • Use mnemonics - a trick to remember a hard spelling word (ex.: In February, we say "brrr" because it's cold.)
  • say the word how it sounds, not how it's spelled (ex.: for "vegetable": veg-et-able; "together": to-get-her)
  • Write all words several times.

    Math Study Tips:

    Students must copy notes down exactly the way I write it. If not, they will have difficulty understanding things later. They should bring their math binder home every night. This way they will have the notebook to do the correct procedure for their homework and learn it for tests and quizzes. I sometimes do things differently than the book and the book can be confusing at times. In addition, the students need to be reviewing their notes and memorizing definitions, steps, directions, etc. I save the math notes and they are located on Edline, in Math, under "News." Sometimes it helps parents to see exactly how I taught the material.

    Students also need to constantly review basic math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). If they struggle with these or don't know them quickly, it will make the rest of their work very difficult.

    Math builds. Once a concept has been tested, it will still come up, over and over, during the rest of the year, and for much of the rest of the student's school math career.

    Science Study Tips:

    Here are some ways to study for science tests: (some ideas are from students)

  • Bring home your notebook and review packet and review a little each night, starting as soon as we begin the chapter.
  • Know the vocabulary.
  • Do the questions at the end of each section and chapter.
  • Have someone quiz you on the packet, vocab., and notes.
  • Study with a group.
  • Make your own test or have someone make it for you.
  • Review past quizzes, the packet, and notes.
  • Make sure you know the order of how things occur.
  • Take the online quizzes.
  • Reread (skim) the chapter.
  • When your parents quiz you, ask them to vary the way they ask you, even orally (ex: true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer). Mix up the questions. Ex: "What are three examples of mechanical weathering?" at one point and, "Ice wedging is a type of what kind of weathering?" at another.
  • Study the notes! There is too much information in the book, but the notes have everything you need to know. Memorize these.

  • Parents, When reviewing notes with your child, have them give you as much information as possible while you give as little as possible. For example, instead of saying, "What are all living things made of?" (cells), say, "List all the parts of the cell theory." If your child can answer questions this way, that means they know the material very well.

    Study Tips:

    Here are some ways to study for social tests (and quizzes): (some ideas are from students)

  • Bring home the book (it's small) and review packet, and review a little each night, starting as soon as we begin the chapter.
  • Know the vocabulary.
  • Do the questions at the end of each section and chapter.
  • Have someone quiz you on the packet and vocab.
  • Study with a group.
  • Make your own test or have someone make it for you.
  • Review past quizzes.
  • Make sure you know the order of when things occurred.
  • Take the online quizzes.
  • Reread (skim) the chapter.
  • When your parents quiz you, ask them to vary the way they ask you, even orally (ex: true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer). Mix the questions up. Ex: "Who conquered the Babylonians?" at one point and, "Who did the Assyrians defeat?" at another.

    To practice for essays:

  • Look at the comprehension and critical thinking questions at the end of the chapter.
  • Look over the packet: whatever is addressed a lot is fair game for an essay.
  • Write an essay on whatever was really emphasized in class.
  • Write an esssay on each section in the chapter.

    Actually write out the comprehension questions (or anything else) as an essay (without looking anything up first) and have a parent go over it with you to see how you can improve. Remember, 10 or 15 point essays mean answer thoroughly and answer what they are asking you.