Self-Assessment Worksheet

1. Academic Strengths

1. Strength #1: _______________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Strength #2: _______________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Academic Challenges

1. Challenge #1: _____________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Challenge #2: _____________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Rate Your Study Habits (1 = Needs Improvement, 5 = Excellent)

• Time management: ____ /5
  
  
• Note-taking: ____ /5
  
  
• Class participation: ____ /5
  
  
• Focus during study sessions: ____ /5
  
  
• Using resources (tutoring, office hours, etc.): ____ /5
  
  

4. Reflection

What patterns do you notice in your strengths, challenges, and habit ratings?

5. Goal for Improvement

Based on this assessment, what is one academic habit or skill you’d like to improve this term?

Goal-Setting Template

Use this template to draft a SMART goal that will help raise your GPA. Be as detailed as possible!

1. Specific

What exactly do you want to achieve? Describe your goal in clear, concrete terms.

2. Measurable

How will you know when you’ve reached your goal? What will you track or measure?

3. Achievable

Why is this goal realistic for you? What skills or resources will help you succeed?

4. Relevant

How does this goal align with improving your GPA and overall academic success?

5. Time-Bound

What is your deadline for achieving this goal? Include specific dates or time frames.

Your Complete SMART Goal Statement

Combine the elements above into one clear statement. For example: “By [date], I will [specific action], measured by [metric].”

Action Steps

List 2–3 concrete steps you will take to reach your goal.

1. Step 1: _________________________________________
   
   
   
   
2. Step 2: _________________________________________
   
   
   
   
3. Step 3: _________________________________________
   
   
   
   

Progress Check-Ins

Schedule when you’ll review your progress and adjust as needed.

• Check-In Date 1: ________________ Notes: _________________________
  
  
• Check-In Date 2: ________________ Notes: _________________________
  
  
• Check-In Date 3: ________________ Notes: _________________________
  
  

Warm-Up: One-Word Reflection

Time: 5 minutes
Purpose: Quickly surface how students feel about their last semester and kick off reflection on academic strengths and challenges.

Materials: Sticky Notes, Whiteboard/Chart Paper, Markers, Timer

Instructions

1. Give each student one sticky note and a marker.
2. Ask students to think of one word that describes their experience last semester (it can be positive, negative, or neutral).
3. Have students write that word in large letters on their sticky note.
4. Invite students to place their note on the board under “Strengths” if the word is positive/encouraging, or under “Challenges” if it reflects a struggle.
5. Once all notes are up, ask 2–3 volunteers to share their word and a brief reason why they chose it.
6. Facilitate a quick discussion:

• What patterns do we notice?
• How might these feelings connect to our goals for the next term?

Cool-Down: Commitment Statement Reflection

Time: 3 minutes
Purpose: Reinforce ownership of your SMART goal and build accountability by publicly stating your commitment.

Materials: Sticky Notes, Whiteboard/Reminder Board, Markers, Timer

Instructions

1. Distribute one sticky note and a marker to each student.
2. Ask students to write a commitment statement that clearly summarizes their SMART goal. Encourage them to use a sentence like:
   “By [date], I will [specific action] to improve my [subject] grade from [current grade] to [target grade].”
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Invite students to post their commitment statements on the board or reminder wall.
4. Select 2–3 volunteers to read aloud their statement and name one action step they’ll take this week.
5. Lead a quick round of applause or positive affirmation for each student’s commitment.
6. Conclude by reminding students of next session’s focus on Time Management Strategies and encouraging them to refer back to these commitments as they plan their week.

Prioritization Matrix Worksheet

Instructions

1. Review your list of upcoming academic tasks (e.g., essays, projects, study sessions).
2. Decide which quadrant each task belongs in based on importance and urgency.
3. Write your tasks in the spaces provided below.

Quadrant 1: Must Do (Important & Urgent)

Tasks that have imminent deadlines and high impact on your GPA.

1. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

Quadrant 2: Should Do (Important but Not Urgent)

Tasks that are important for long-term success but can be scheduled.

1. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

Quadrant 3: Can Wait (Not Important & Not Urgent)

Tasks that have minimal impact on your GPA and can be postponed.

1. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection

Why did you place one task in each quadrant? Choose one task from Quadrant 1 and explain its urgency and impact:

Time Management Calendar Template

Instructions

Use this weekly calendar to assign your prioritized tasks into specific time slots. Include study sessions, classes, homework, and breaks. Be as detailed as possible!

Reflection

1. Which time block do you think will be the most productive? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How will you handle unexpected events or delays in your schedule?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Warm-Up: Time Audit

Time: 5 minutes
Purpose: Assess how you currently spend your study time to identify areas for improvement.

Materials: Sticky Notes, Whiteboard/Chart Paper, Markers, Timer

Instructions

1. Ask students to recall their last study session (e.g., yesterday’s homework or test prep).
2. Provide each student with three sticky notes and a marker.
3. On each note, have them write the number of minutes spent on:
   • Homework
   • Reviewing notes
   • Breaks or distractions
4. Students post their notes in three columns on the board labeled “Homework,” “Review,” and “Breaks.”
5. Once all notes are up, facilitate a brief discussion:
   • Which category has the most total minutes?
   • Were you surprised by how much time you spent on breaks?
   • How could reallocating some break time to review boost your productivity?
6. Transition: Explain that auditing time sets the foundation for prioritizing tasks and creating an effective weekly plan in our next activity.

Active Reading Guide Worksheet

Use the four-step active reading process to engage deeply with your text excerpt. Complete each section below as you read.

1. Preview

• Title of Text: _______________________________
  
  
• Headings/Subheadings you notice:
  1. _______________________________
     
     
  2. _______________________________
     
     
• Based on these, what do you predict this text will cover?
  ___________________________________________________________________
  
  
  

2. Question

Write 2–3 questions you hope to answer by reading this excerpt.

1. ___________________________________________________________________
   
   
2. ___________________________________________________________________
   
   
3. ___________________________________________________________________
   
   
   

3. Highlight

As you read, highlight or underline key terms, facts, or concepts. Then record three of your highlights below and explain why each is important.

1. Highlighted Text: _____________________________ Why it matters: ___________________________________________
   
   
2. Highlighted Text: _____________________________ Why it matters: ___________________________________________
   
   
3. Highlighted Text: _____________________________ Why it matters: ___________________________________________
   
   
   

4. Summarize

In 2–3 sentences, write a concise summary of the main idea and supporting points from the excerpt.
__________________________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________________________

Cornell Notes Template

Use this template to organize your notes during a lecture or while reading.

Summary
In 2–3 sentences, write a concise summary of the main ideas and key points from your notes above:

Test Prep Strategy Checklist

Use this checklist to plan and track your test preparation.

Core Strategies

• Spaced Repetition: Schedule multiple short review sessions over several days or weeks.
  
  
• Retrieval Practice: Quiz yourself without looking at notes to strengthen recall.
  
  
• Flashcards: Create cards for key terms, formulas, or concepts and review them regularly.
  
  
• Practice Tests: Complete at least one full practice exam under timed conditions.
  
  

Supplemental Strategies

• Concept Mapping: Draw diagrams or mind maps to connect ideas.
  
  
• Teach Someone Else: Explain topics aloud to a peer or family member.
  
  
• Review Errors: Go over past quizzes/tests to understand and correct mistakes.
  
  

Your Test Prep Plan

1. Upcoming Test: _______________________________________________

2. Review Schedule:

• Session 1: Date _______ Time _______
  
  
• Session 2: Date _______ Time _______
  
  
• Session 3: Date _______ Time _______
  
  

3. Strategy Checklist (check each as you complete it):

• Spaced Repetition: ☐
  
• Retrieval Practice: ☐
  
• Flashcards: ☐
  
• Practice Test: ☐
  

Reflection and Next Steps

1. Which strategy do you think will help you most? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How will you adjust your plan if you find yourself falling behind schedule?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Who can you ask for help or accountability during your test prep? _____________________
   
   
   

Stress Management Techniques Handout

Life as a 10th grader can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re working hard to raise your GPA. Managing stress not only helps you stay focused during study sessions, but also supports your overall well-being. Try these three simple, research-backed techniques to calm your mind and recharge your energy.

1. Deep Breathing & Mindfulness Exercises

Taking slow, intentional breaths signals your body to relax. This practice helps lower heart rate, ease muscle tension, and clear your mind.

Steps:

1. Sit or stand comfortably with both feet on the floor and shoulders relaxed.
2. Close your eyes (optional) and place one hand on your belly, the other on your chest.
3. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 4, feeling your belly expand.
4. Hold your breath for a count of 2.
5. Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of 6, noticing your belly fall.
6. Repeat this cycle 4–5 times, focusing only on the rise and fall of each breath.

Tip: Practice this for 1–2 minutes between classes or before starting homework to reset your focus.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

PMR teaches you to recognize and release tension in your body, one muscle group at a time.

Steps:

1. Find a quiet spot and sit or lie down comfortably.
2. Starting with your feet, tense the muscles as tightly as you can for 5 seconds.
3. Quickly release the tension and notice the sensation of relaxation for 10 seconds.
4. Move up your body (calves, thighs, abdomen, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and face), repeating tension and release.
5. Finish by taking two deep breaths, scanning your body for any remaining tight spots.

When to use: Right after a long study session or when you catch yourself feeling stiff and restless.

3. Quick Active Breaks

Short bursts of movement increase blood flow to your brain, boost energy, and help you return to work with renewed concentration.

Ideas for 3–5 minute breaks:

• Stretching: Reach your arms overhead, bend side to side, roll your shoulders.
• Jumping jacks or marching in place: Get your heart rate up for a moment.
• Walk around: Go outside or pace the hallway, noticing your surroundings and taking fresh air.
• Desk exercises: Chair squats, seated leg lifts, or wrist and ankle rotations.

Aim to take one active break for every 25–30 minutes of focused study (the “Pomodoro” approach).

Putting It All Together

1. Identify your typical stressors (upcoming tests, deadlines, long study blocks).
   
   
   
   
2. Choose one technique to try first: deep breathing, PMR, or an active break.
   
   
   
   
3. Schedule it into your daily routine (e.g., breathe for 2 minutes after school, PMR before bed, quick walk mid-study).
   
   
   
   

Reflection

1. Which stress-management technique will you practice first?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. When and where will you build this into your day?