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Study Skills Survival Guide

Alison George

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Study Skills Survival Guide

Students will identify and practice at least two new effective study strategies to improve their academic performance in core classes.

Developing strong study skills is crucial for academic success, stress reduction, and building confidence, especially for students who are currently struggling.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and practical application.

Materials

  • Study Skills Slide Deck, and - Study Habits Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Study Skills Survival Guide lesson plan.
    - Familiarize yourself with the Study Skills Slide Deck content.
    - Print copies of the Study Habits Worksheet for each student.
    - Ensure projector/screen and computer are set up for the slide deck.

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up: What's Your Study Superpower?

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief, engaging question to activate prior knowledge: "When you have homework or a test, what's one thing you usually do to study or get it done?"
    - Introduce the lesson using the Study Skills Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
    - Explain that today's goal is to discover new 'study superpowers' to make learning easier and more effective.

Step 2

Exploring Study Strategies: The Brain's Best Friends

10 minutes

  • Present various study strategies using the Study Skills Slide Deck (Slides 3-7).
    - Briefly explain each strategy (e.g., active recall, spaced repetition, Pomodoro Technique, creating mind maps, teaching others).
    - For each strategy, ask students: "How might this help you in [mention a specific core class, e.g., Math] or [another core class, e.g., English]?"
    - Encourage short group discussions (turn and talk) about which strategy seems most interesting or useful to them.

Step 3

Practice & Application: Your New Toolkit

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Study Habits Worksheet.
    - Guide students through the worksheet, encouraging them to choose 1-2 strategies they want to try.
    - Provide time for students to brainstorm how they would implement these strategies for a specific assignment or upcoming test in a core class.
    - Circulate and offer individualized support and feedback.

Step 4

Wrap-Up & Commitment: Ready to Level Up!

5 minutes

  • Ask students to share one study strategy they are committed to trying this week (using Study Skills Slide Deck Slide 8).
    - Emphasize that finding what works best takes practice and patience.
    - End with an encouraging statement about their ability to improve and succeed.
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Slide Deck

Unlock Your Study Superpowers!

Ready to make learning easier and boost your grades?

Today, we're finding your study superpowers!

Greet students warmly. Ask the warm-up question: "When you have homework or a test, what's one thing you usually do to study or get it done?" Give a minute or two for quick responses. Transition by saying we'll explore ways to make studying even better.

Why Do Study Skills Matter?

  • Better Grades: Understand material more deeply.
  • Less Stress: Feel prepared, not panicked.
  • More Confidence: Believe in your ability to succeed.
  • Smarter, Not Harder: Work efficiently!

Explain why good study skills are so important, especially when things feel tough in school. Connect it to their current struggles in core classes.

Study Superpower #1: Active Recall

What is it? Testing yourself constantly, instead of just re-reading.

How to use it:

  • After reading a page, close your book and try to explain what you just read.
  • Use flashcards to quiz yourself.
  • Turn headings into questions and answer them.

Introduce Active Recall. Give an example: After reading a paragraph, close the book and try to remember key points. This is better than just rereading.

Study Superpower #2: Spaced Repetition

What is it? Reviewing information over increasing periods of time.

How to use it:

  • Don't cram! Study a little bit each day.
  • Review notes from last week, then two weeks ago.
  • Use a calendar to plan your review sessions.

Introduce Spaced Repetition. Explain that our brains need breaks and revisiting information later helps it stick.

Study Superpower #3: The Pomodoro Technique

What is it? Studying in focused bursts with short, timed breaks.

How to use it:

  1. Set a timer for 25 minutes (your "Pomodoro").
  2. Work without distractions until the timer rings.
  3. Take a 5-minute break.
  4. After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break.

Introduce the Pomodoro Technique. Emphasize focused bursts and planned breaks.

Study Superpower #4: Mind Mapping

What is it? A visual way to organize information and connect ideas.

How to use it:

  • Start with a main topic in the center.
  • Branch out with main ideas.
  • Add details and examples to each branch.
  • Use colors and images!

Introduce Mind Mapping. Show how it visually connects ideas. Maybe draw a quick example on the board if time permits.

Study Superpower #5: Teach It!

What is it? Explaining what you've learned to someone else (or even an imaginary friend).

How to use it:

  • Pretend to teach the concept to a sibling, parent, or pet.
  • Form a study group and explain topics to each other.
  • This helps you find gaps in your own understanding!

Introduce Teaching Others. Explain that explaining something to someone else forces you to really understand it.

Your Study Superpower Action Plan!

  1. Which 1-2 study superpowers will you try this week?
  2. How will you use them for an upcoming assignment or test?

Distribute the worksheet. Give them time to fill it out and choose strategies. Circulate to provide support and answer questions. Bring it back together for a quick share-out.

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Worksheet

Study Habits Worksheet: My New Superpowers!

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Reflecting on My Current Habits

  1. When you have homework or an upcoming test, what is your usual routine for studying or completing assignments? (Think about where you study, how long, what you do).





  2. What is one challenge you currently face when trying to study or learn new material for your core classes (e.g., getting distracted, forgetting information, feeling overwhelmed)?





Part 2: Choosing My Study Superpowers

From today's lesson, review the study superpowers we discussed:

  • Active Recall: Test yourself, don't just re-read.
  • Spaced Repetition: Study a little bit each day, over time.
  • The Pomodoro Technique: Focused work bursts with short breaks.
  • Mind Mapping: Visualize and connect ideas.
  • Teach It!: Explain what you've learned to someone else.

Choose 1 or 2 strategies you want to try this week to improve your study habits. Write them down below.

My Chosen Study Superpower(s):

Part 3: My Action Plan!

For each superpower you chose, create a plan for how you will use it this week. Think about a specific class or assignment you have.

Superpower 1: _______________________________________________________

  • Which class/assignment will I use it for?


  • How exactly will I use this superpower? (Give specific steps)










  • When will I use it? (Specific day/time)


Superpower 2 (Optional): _______________________________________________________

  • Which class/assignment will I use it for?


  • How exactly will I use this superpower? (Give specific steps)










  • When will I use it? (Specific day/time)


Part 4: Looking Ahead

What is one positive change you hope to see in your grades or understanding by trying these new study habits?





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