Balanced Prep: Academics and Wellness

Ciara McNearly

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Balanced Prep: Academics and Wellness

ACT and SAT Prep

This lesson focuses on preparing students for the ACT and SAT exams by combining effective academic strategies with wellness practices for overall success. The lesson includes a balanced approach to test preparation, emphasizing both academic skills and self-care techniques to ensure students are mentally and physically prepared for their exams.

Audience

Teens

Time

1 hour

Approach

ACT and SAT Prep

Materials

Video: Balance Your Future and Present Self, Video: How to Overcome Test Anxiety, Discussion Guide: Balancing Academics and Wellness, Worksheet: Practice ACT and SAT Questions, Handout: Creating a Balanced Study Plan, and Quiz Game: Test Prep and Wellness Review

Step 1

Introduction to Balanced Prep

10 mins

Begin with a brief introduction to the importance of balancing academic prep with wellness.
Show the video Balance Your Future and Present Self.
Facilitate a quick discussion on key takeaways from the video.

Step 2

Academic Prep Strategies

15 mins

Explain effective test-taking strategies such as time management, question analysis, and answer elimination.
Distribute the Worksheet: Practice ACT and SAT Questions.
Have students work individually or in pairs to complete a set of practice questions.
Review answers as a class and discuss any challenges or tips for improvement.

Step 3

Wellness Strategies

15 mins

Discuss the importance of wellness during exam prep, including sleep, nutrition, and stress management.
Show the video How to Overcome Test Anxiety.
Introduce techniques like mindfulness, regular breaks, and physical activity.
Use the Discussion Guide: Balancing Academics and Wellness to facilitate a group discussion on integrating these practices into their study routine.

Step 4

Creating a Balanced Study Plan

15 mins

Distribute the Handout: Creating a Balanced Study Plan.
Guide students through filling out a study plan that includes both academic tasks and wellness activities.
Encourage students to create a realistic and sustainable schedule.
Allow time for students to share their plans with a peer or the class for feedback.

Step 5

Quiz Game: Test Prep and Wellness Review

10 mins

Divide the class into small teams.
Ask questions related to test-taking strategies and wellness tips discussed in the lesson.
Award points for correct answers. The team with the most points wins a small prize.

Step 6

Closure and Reflection

5 mins

Summarize the key points from the lesson.
Encourage students to implement these strategies in their daily routines.
Answer any remaining questions and provide motivational support to boost their confidence.

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Discussion

Balancing Academics and Wellness

This discussion focuses on understanding the importance of balancing academic preparation with wellness to achieve optimal performance on exams like the ACT and SAT.

Why is it important to balance academic prep with wellness activities?

Discuss the impact of stress and burnout on performance. Mention the benefits of relaxation and physical activity.

What are some challenges you face when trying to balance studying and self-care?

Reflect on personal experiences and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.

How can you incorporate wellness strategies into your study routine?

Brainstorm practical methods like scheduled breaks, healthy snacks, mindfulness practices, and exercise.

Worksheet

Practice ACT and SAT Questions

This worksheet includes sample questions from the ACT and SAT to help students practice applying test-taking strategies.

ACT Math Question: Solve for x in the equation 2x + 3 = 11.

SAT Reading Question: What is the main theme of the passage provided?

ACT Science Question: Based on the data in the chart, what is the correlation between variable A and variable B?

SAT Writing and Language Question: Choose the best way to complete the sentence: "Running late, ____ to catch the bus." (a) she hurries (b) hurriedly she (c) she hurried (d) her hurrying

Reading

Creating a Balanced Study Plan

This handout provides a template and tips for students to create a study plan that balances academics with wellness activities.

Creating a Balanced Study Plan

Use this template to plan your study sessions while ensuring you incorporate wellness activities to stay healthy and productive.

Step 1: List your study tasks for the week.

Example: Complete math homework, read chapters 3-5 of biology book, practice SAT reading section.

Step 2: Include wellness activities.

Example: Morning yoga, 10-minute meditation, healthy meal prep, evening jog.

Step 3: Create a daily schedule.

Example:
- Monday: 4-5 PM - Math homework; 5-5:30 PM - Meditation
- Tuesday: 4-5 PM - Biology reading; 5-5:30 PM - Evening jog

Tips for Success:

Be realistic with your time estimates.
Mix in breaks to avoid burnout.
Stay flexible and adjust as needed.

Remember, a balanced approach helps maintain both your academic performance and overall well-being!

Quiz

Test Prep and Wellness Review