6 Proven Strategies to Help Teens Study Smarter Not Harder
What are good study skills for teens? Have you been searching for “how to study smarter, not harder” or “study skills for teens”? You’re not alone! Many students struggle with how to study effectively, but the good news is that there are proven strategies to help you study smarter, not harder. Not every study technique works for everyone, but trying a few new methods can boost your learning, improve recall, and make studying less stressful. Whether you’re wondering how to use your notes more effectively or how to study beyond just rereading your textbook, this list of study skills for teens will help you take control of your learning. By organizing your study time and space, you’ll improve your ability to retain information, recall it when needed, and have more free time for the things you enjoy. Here are six proven ways to study smarter, not harder! 1. Take Notes the Smart Way (Cornell Note-Taking Method) Better notes = less stress when it’s time to study! Whether you use a notebook, digital app, or Word document, the way you take notes matters. One of the most effective strategies is the Cornell Note-Taking Method, which divides your notes into three sections:…
Turn Your Knowledge Into Income and Side Gig Jobs: Everyone Can Tutor Something!
What subjects could you tutor? When it comes to making some extra cash from side gig jobs, everyone can tutor something. Choose a topic that fits your expertise and passion when choosing your tutoring subjects. Some of the best teachers and tutors are those who are passionate about their tutoring subjects and show up to work because they love their jobs. Think back to your favorite classes in school or a class you took to learn a hobby, and I bet that one of the reasons you loved the class was because the teacher loved teaching about it. The same goes for choosing side gig jobs. Start with something you love. Choose what you are comfortable with and knowledgeable about. If you love math, decide if you prefer tutoring younger or older students and go from there. If you enjoy sewing, what about starting with teaching a class on hemming a pair of pants or making a tote bag? Are you great a coding? Offer a week-long coding class to kids in your area and see where it goes. Everyone can tutor something. The list below can help you get started when choosing side gig jobs and tutoring subjects. Here…
My Child’s Teacher Emailed Me About Academic Concerns—Now What?
Which school teacher has the best communication style? If you’ve ever received a note from your child’s teacher about academic concerns, saying they’re struggling to organize ideas in writing, apply math concepts to real life, or make inferences while reading, you’re not alone. Many parents see these messages and wonder, What does that actually mean? And how can I help at home? I hear this concern from friends and family all the time. Instead of asking the teacher for clarification, they turn to me for advice—worried they might sound uninformed. But here’s the truth: It’s not ignorance or bad parenting. It’s a language barrier! Teachers often use academic terms that parents may not be familiar with, making it hard to translate concerns into actionable steps. That’s where I come in. I break down what these academic concerns actually look like in the classroom and offer practical, at-home strategies and academic resources to support your child. And here’s my number one tip—don’t be afraid to email the teacher back! Teachers and tutors are on your child’s academic team and can provide valuable insight into what will help. Below, you’ll find 10 common academic concerns for elementary and middle school students—what they…