As parents, you want your school-aged child to not just do well in school and get good grades. You want them to develop holistically so that they grow up to be well-rounded adults. While academics undoubtedly are essential, it is important to recognize the tremendous value of engaging in extracurricular activities. These activities include individual or team sports, music, dancing, theatre, painting, sculpting, pottery, debating, creative writing, coding, etc.  

Beyond the classroom, these activities aren’t mere hobbies or pastimes but powerful tools that can shape your child’s future. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of extracurricular activities for school-going children and highlight their six benefits. 

Why Are Extracurricular Activities Important for Kids? 

These activities offer students enormous opportunities for learning outside the classroom and can have a huge impact on your child’s development. Taking part in different activities, in or outside school, can teach kids many important life skills, such as being responsible and disciplined, being organized, and managing time, that can help them throughout their lives. They allow children to find confidence outside academia.  

While some students may be naturally drawn to extracurriculars, others may struggle to find their interests. That’s when it is essential to encourage your child to try out various clubs to see if something sparks their interest. Whether it’s sports, performing arts, or student organizations, there are many benefits to staying involved.  

Six Key Benefits of Extracurricular Activities 

1. Improves Grades 

Some parents and kids worry that participating in extracurriculars may take away too much time from schoolwork and hurt their grades. However, this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Taking part in activities outside of the classroom can improve your child’s confidence, time management skills, and overall outlook on school!  

Several studies have proven that students who participate in extracurricular activities and academics score high grades, have positive attitudes toward school, and have higher academic aspirations than students who do not participate in any.  

Doing things that they are passionate about can increase their brain function, help them concentrate better, and help them manage time well. All of this contributes to higher grades.

2. Builds Confidence

When children pursue their passions or hobbies they like, they’re given a chance to work hard and accomplish the goals they set for themselves for the first time. And when they accomplish those tasks and achieve their goals through sheer hard work and passion, it builds their confidence like nothing else.  

The more students accomplish, the more confident they become. This establishes a strong foundation and instills confidence and self-esteem to help them advance in the future. 

Whether it is performing on stage, participating in competitions, or showcasing artistic skills, these experiences empower children to believe in themselves and their abilities. As they overcome challenges and achieve personal milestones, their confidence soars, paving the way for success in various aspects of life.

3. Promotes Physical and Mental Wellbeing

In today’s digital age, where sedentary lifestyles prevail, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in promoting physical fitness. Sports, dance, and outdoor adventures encourage regular exercise, enhance motor skills, and contribute to overall well-being. Moreover, these activities also have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 

Kids who exercise regularly are at lower risk for many conditions, such as depression, anxiety, low bone density, obesity, etc. They also sleep better, which comes with its own health benefits. Children must aim for at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. 

Not every kid is a natural athlete, or they may not be interested in high-intensity sports. They should have the opportunity to explore activities that interest them. Yoga and aerobics are some other physical activities that don’t require a lot of physical training but can be equally beneficial.

4. Provides a Sense of Belonging

Participating in extracurricular activities offers children a sense of belonging and identity. Joining a team, club, or group with other like-minded peers gives them the space to build social connections, encourages teamwork, and can help them forge lasting friendships. When kids find peers with similar passions and hobbies, it can make them feel less lonely and promote a sense of belonging in the world. 

Feeling a part of something larger than themselves instills a sense of pride, camaraderie, and support, nurturing their social and emotional development. This can also promote a robust sense of self. 

5. Promotes Networking and Social Skills 

While there are many opportunities for children to make friends while studying in a classroom, it can be tough for shy kids to initiate a conversation with others. They might need a little nudge, a relaxed setting outside of classes, or a shared interest to open up and talk to their peers.  

Extracurricular activities provide an excellent opportunity for such children to put their guard down, network, and develop essential social skills. Engaging with peers during practice, or club meetings cultivates cooperation, and communication, and encourages them to make new friends. Whether it’s collaborating on a project, resolving team conflicts, or navigating diverse perspectives, these experiences equip children with networking and problem-solving skills that come in handy in the future. Finding common ground and striking up a conversation is the cornerstone of success in the professional world. 

6. Enhances Team Spirit

Extracurricular activities require students to work with their peers, as opposed to classwork. Playing a sport or participating in a club teaches young children how to work with different types of people. Learning early on how to work towards a shared goal with different kinds of people in different environments and circumstances can teach children the valuable lesson of keeping personal relations and issues at bay when working towards a shared goal. It can also encourage them to understand their own positives and their setbacks, which is useful information to understand oneself and the world better. 

If their team wins a competition or a game, for instance, it can give them a collective feeling of joy and pride in themselves as well as their teammates who performed well. Similarly, if they lose a game, the shared experience of loss can help them to work together to practice harder and win the next time. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, engaging in extracurricular activities provides school children with a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the classroom. From improving grades and building confidence to promoting physical and mental well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, enhancing social skills, and cultivating team spirit, these activities offer a holistic approach to a child’s development. By encouraging children to explore their passions and interests outside of academics, you can empower them to become well-rounded individuals equipped with essential life skills for future success. 

Child illiteracy is a significant issue in our country with far-reaching effects. Since our children are the future of our country, it’s critical that each and every one has a strong literacy foundation.

Literacy isn’t just a person’s ability to read or comprehend the main facts. It’s about developing thoughts and opinions and gaining knowledge that affects their entire lives.

Reading a book or writing a letter is only the tip of the literacy iceberg. A child’s emotional and intellectual growth can be significantly harmed by their inability to read and comprehend. Children must develop a strong literacy foundation to thrive in society, no matter what vocation they choose.

If you think about it, literacy impacts nearly every aspect of every day, including gaining (and retaining) employment, building a family, and being financially responsible, to name a few. Literacy influences how people understand the world and dramatically influences their life choices. If their knowledge and skills are limited, their advancement through life will also be limited.

The Statistics Are Shocking

Literacy shapes the way people learn and interact with each other. It forms the basis for a lifetime of communication with family, friends, and employers. Ensuring strong reading and writing skills in the early stages of a child’s development is vital to preventing problems later in life, such as unemployment, social disconnection, and even justice system involvement.

Based on a 2022 analysis of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test scores, twenty-five million children in the U.S. cannot read proficiently.

Childhood literacy programs are essential to reducing the rates of adult illiteracy. Approximately 36 million adults in the U.S. don’t have basic reading, writing, and math skills above a third-grade level, according to ProLiteracy. If literacy can be improved during childhood, it opens new opportunities for individuals later in life.

The following statistics shed some light on the importance of childhood literacy:

Literacy Unpreparedness Entering School

• Children of adults with low literacy skills are 72% more likely to be at a low reading level in school, according to ProLiteracy.
• Two out of every 10 children enter kindergarten with skills two to three years lower than their grade level, and another two start school with a one-year disadvantage, according to the Children’s Reading Foundation.
• Students who are behind typically make only one year’s worth of progress at each grade level, keeping them behind their classmates throughout school and making them more likely to repeat grades.

Lack of Grade-Level Proficiency

• Some 34% of students are below basic reading level in the fourth grade, according to the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Another 31% are below the proficient reading level.
• About 27% of eighth-grade students are below basic reading level, per NCES. Another 39% are below the proficient reading level.

Child Illiteracy and Dropout Rates

• Illiteracy is a major factor in whether adolescents graduate from high school. One in 6 high school students — or about 1.2 million teens — drop out each year, according to ProLiteracy.
• Some 4.5 million young adults (aged 16 to 24) are “disconnected” — meaning they are not in school or working, according to Measure of America. These individuals often lack a high school diploma or GED.
• Students who are behind when they start kindergarten make up the largest portion of school dropouts. These students have a less than 12% chance of attending college, according to the Children’s Reading Foundation.

Curious about the literacy facts in your state?

Get your state’s literacy facts from the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) based on fourth-grade reading performance: https://www.rif.org/literacy-network/literacy-map

Whom It Affects and Why

Illiteracy among children is a result of numerous factors. Socioeconomic status is one of the crucial variables, as it may be difficult for children from low-income families to get quality education and access to resources and materials that build literacy skills. The number of books a child has access to, their early education, and the amount of support they receive at home has a huge impact on a child’s reading abilities.

Additionally, the quality of education and resources can vary across different school districts and regions, leading to educational disparities. Schools in underfunded areas often struggle to provide adequate support for students, including reading interventions and qualified teachers.

Language barriers are another challenge for children from non-English speaking backgrounds or whose first language isn’t English.

The changing nature of literacy in the digital age is another factor. While traditional literacy skills remain essential, new types of literacy, such as media and digital, are becoming more essential. For students, the switch from print-based reading to digital reading brings both opportunities and difficulties.

Concerns exist around how much time children and teens spend reading for enjoyment as well. According to research, young people read fewer books for pleasure, which may influence their reading and comprehension abilities.

How Parents Can Help

The key to breaking the cycle of illiteracy is to start children reading as early as possible. Not only to promote healthy brain development but also to spark their creative and inquisitive sides. It’s never too soon!

17 Tips for Helping Your Child’s Literacy Development

1. Introduce cloth and board books to babies. Around the age of 1, babies start to develop their grabbing skills. Cloth and board textured books are excellent choices for babies who enjoy exploring through touch and have a tendency to put things in their mouths.
2. Incorporate reading into your daily routine. Establishing a regular reading schedule ensures that it becomes a consistent part of your day. You can allocate specific times for reading, such as before naptime and bedtime, creating enjoyable moments for both of you.
3. Let your toddler take the lead. By the age of 2, toddlers can hold a book and point at what catches their eye. Allow your toddler to flip the book’s pages and play along as they engage and react to the story.
4. Prompt your child’s thought process with questions. Make the experience interactive by posing questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Which part of the story was your favorite?” This fosters engagement and active participation, leading to excitement to learn more.
5. Learning through repetition. Around the age of 3, children can complete sentences in familiar stories. Reading their favorite books repeatedly helps reinforce learning through repetition.
6. Highlight similar words. As your child starts recognizing letters, you can point out words in a book that begin with the same letter. This aids their familiarity with the letter and helps them associate certain words with it.
7. Help your children make their own book. Making their own book is a fantastic way to practice their reading skills, grow their thought processes, and excite their creativity. Help children who can’t write by cutting out the words from magazines or newspapers or writing them for them. Include your child’s artwork to illustrate their story.
8. Make reading an adventure! With the overindulgence in vibrant and energetic social media, streaming, and video games, a child’s boredom threshold has lowered over the years. This could make reading a challenge for kids who have gotten used to such highly stimulating sources of entertainment. In those instances, you and your child could act out the story from the book, giving them an outlet for their energy as well as engaging their imagination and creativity. Not to mention making lasting memories.
9. Point things out that relate to a book. When you’re shopping with your kids, driving in the card, or just around the house, point out objects that relate to a story you two have read. Explain how that word or item is similar to what was in the story and why. This association will help them understand that many words have multiple meanings and build on that foundation of understanding.
10. Look for words within other words. You can play this game with your children anytime, anywhere. Show the child a longer word and ask them to find smaller words within it. For example, they can find can in candy, ant in plant, pot in potato, and to, get, and her in together.
11. Encourage your preschooler to tell the story. Children have longer attention spans by the age of 5 and can create their own version of the story. Prompt your preschooler to tell you what the book is about or reinvent the story inspired by the pictures on the pages.
12. Field trip to your local library. Plan weekly trips to the library and make a fun afternoon out of it. Libraries often have reading programs and story times that will enhance your child’s enjoyment, so check the library’s website for an event/activity calendar.
13. Build math skills by counting objects. During reading sessions, engage your child by counting objects on the page together. This activity not only enhances their early math skills but also adds an interactive element to the reading experience.
14. Read with enthusiasm! When reading to your child, use inflection and maintain expressive variations in your voice and facial expressions to emphasize the storyline. This helps them remember the words and creates a fun and engaging atmosphere during reading sessions.
15. Lead by example. If your children see you reading your own book, that will foster their interest and encourage them to develop their own love for it.
16. Keep reading consistently. Reading to and with your child aids in developing the habit of listening to stories and nurturing a love of reading. One of the most crucial pieces of advice is to start reading to them early and make it a regular practice.
17. Create a cozy space for reading. Is your child into building forts in the living room out of the sofa cushions and a blanket? Take advantage of that creativity and create a cozy space for them to retreat anytime with a book – with or without you.

However, something to keep in mind is to not force your child to read. Nothing will turn a child off faster than if they feel they’re being made to do it. In the beginning, set short goals for reading time, like 20-30 minutes a day together, and gauge their engagement and enthusiasm during that time. If they start getting bored, switch to a more interesting book or to an interactive game that promotes learning.

No matter how old your child is, these tips will help you take advantage of this valuable and influential time with your child, making reading a fun, educational, and a memorable experience for both of you.

A quote from Carrie St. Marie, founder of That Tutoring Place:

“I tell my students that I read with an “I didn’t know that, did you?” frame of mind when I come across something new. I laugh with them at the funny parts and act scared or surprised at those parts. When parents read with their children, they should talk about the story and its message or meaning afterward. Talk about it when driving, or having lunch, or after dinner. Keeping the topic focused on the book they’re reading helps children read to learn, or literacy. Yes, talking about how school went that day is good for daily knowledge, but talking about a book builds educational knowledge.”

Visit Reading is Fundamental’s website for resources like suggested books that kids love, activity sheets, and puzzles to encourage your child’s literacy journey: https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/parents

Conclusion

Parents play a vital role in their child’s literacy development. The tips in this article offer practical (and fun) ways to engage children in reading and make it an enriching experience. By incorporating reading into daily routines, encouraging active participation, and fostering a love for books, parents can create a strong foundation for their child’s lifelong learning journey.

When it comes down to it, breaking the cycle of child illiteracy requires a commitment to promoting literacy and providing the necessary resources and support. By investing in childhood literacy, we are investing in the future of our children and empowering them to lead fulfilling, productive, and happy lives. Together, we can create a society where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential through the power of literacy.

Sources

Reading is Fundamental – https://www.rif.org/literacy-network/the-issue

The Children’s Reading Foundations – https://www.readingfoundation.org/school-readiness

Regis College – https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/child-illiteracy/

English can be a complicated and confusing language. You could be having a simple conversation with a friend, and suddenly, you may be confused about whether to use “who” or “whom” in a sentence. Or maybe you’re unsure if it’s “affect” or “effect.” If so, you are not alone! In fact, there are several common grammar mistakes that even the most well-read students can make.

In this article, we will go over the ten most common English grammar mistakes and give you tips on how to avoid them. Whether you’re writing an essay for school or just want to improve your grammar skills, this post can help you with the English grammar basics.

1. Then and Than

Then and than may sound similar but mean very different things.

• Then is typically used to describe something in relation to time.
  • Example: I will go for a walk, then I will water my plants.
• Than is used when comparing two things.
  • Example: She runs faster than her.

Tip to Remember

To know if you are using the word correctly, try using your sentence by replacing the word with “when”. Both “when’ and “then” are associated with time and are also related words. If the question makes sense, then you should use “then” in the sentence. For example: When did you do it? I did it then.

2. Lie and Lay

Lie and lay are words that are commonly used interchangeably. Although meaning something similar, lie and lay are used to refer to different things.

• Lie is a verb that means “to recline or be in a horizontal position,” like when someone needs to lie down.
  • Example: You seem tired, do you want to lie down?
• Lay is to place or put something down. It is usually used to refer to an object.
  • Example: You can lay the carpet over there.

Tip to Remember

Lie has the word “I” in it and is used to refer to oneself or another person being in a horizontal position. Whereas lay is an action word used to refer to a direct object.

3. Who and Whom

This is another pairing of words that can be hard to differentiate. “Whom” is typically not used in casual conversations. Although, if you want to pursue a career in academics, writing, or anything that revolves heavily around the English language, it is better to understand the difference between the two.

• Who is used as a subject in a sentence. It is used when the word is performing the action.
  • Example: Who wants to go out for dinner?
• Whom is used as an object in a sentence. It is used when it is receiving the action.
  • Example: The letter was addressed to whom?

Tips to Remember

If you can replace the word in your sentence with “he,” “she,” or “they” (subject), then “who” is the correct word to be used. If you can replace it with “him,” “her,” or “them” (object), then “whom” is the correct word.

4. Affect and Effect

• Affect is used as a verb. It means “to act on something.”
  • Example: The power outage affected our entire neighborhood.
• Effect is used as a noun and is usually used to show the end result of something; after something is done.
  • Example: What effect will the medicine have on my body?

Tips to Remember

Remember that “Affect” = action. “Effect” = end result.

Similar sounding words

The English language has many words that sound similar or are spelled similarly but have different meanings. These words not only confuse but can make it hard for non-native speakers to learn the language and become fluent.

Here are some examples of similar-sounding words, or homophones, that can confuse people with some tips to differentiate:

5. There, Their, and They’re

These three words sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings and purposes in English.

• There is usually used as a noun or adjective. It refers to a place or expresses where an action is taking place.
  • Example: There is my pen.
• Their is the possessive pronoun of “they”. It usually means “belonging to”.
  • Example: It is their newspaper.
• They’re is a contraction of they are.
  • Example: They’re not a very friendly bunch. / They are not a very friendly bunch.

Tips to Remember

If you cannot understand which word is appropriate in a sentence, try replacing it with “here”. Here, with a T, in the beginning, is there – both referring to a place. If the sentence makes sense, you can use “there”.

“Their” is always used to describe the ownership of something in relation to someone. It also has the word “heir” in it, which means possession or ownership.

To remember how to correctly use “they’re,” simply break down the word into “they are.”

6. You’re and Your

You’re and your are another example of homophones.

• You’re is a contraction of you are.
  • Example: You’re learning how to ride a bike / You are learning how to ride a bike.
• Your is a possessive adjective. It is used to describe something that belongs to you.
  • Example: Can I borrow your Math notes?

Tip to Remember

When trying to use it in a sentence, always break it down into “you are”. If the sentence sounds correct, then you should use “you’re”. If the sentence does not make sense, then you should use “your”.

7. To, Too, and Two

Now this might seem like an easy set of homophones, but to, too, and two can be easily confused simply because they sound similar.

• To is a preposition. It is used to express direction or motion towards something.
  • Example: I went to the store.
• Too is an adverb and usually means “also” or “additionally.”
  • Example: Would you like to have ice cream too?
• Two is the written form of the number 2.
  • Example: She has two pens.

Tips to Remember

If you are confused between “to” and “too”, try substituting the word with “also”. Both “too” and “also” mean additionally. If the sentence makes sense after you replace it with “also”, then you should use “too”.

Another way to differentiate between “to” and “too” is to remove it from the sentence. If you remove “to” from a sentence, it would not make sense, but if you remove “too” from the sentence, it will not affect what the sentence is trying to convey.

For example: Would you like to have ice cream too?

• If you remove “to,” you get: Would you like have ice cream too?
• If you remove “too,” you get: Would you like to have ice cream?

8. Principal and Principle

• Principal is the head of a school or organization. This word is used to describe a person. If used as an adjective, it can also mean “main” or “primary.”
  • Example: Have you met my school principal?
• Principle is a rule, truth, or theory. It is always used as a noun to describe an abstract thing.
  • Example: Isaac Newton uncovered the principles of gravity and motion.

Tips to Remember

The word “principal” has the word “pal” in it. If you want to talk about the head of an organization or a person who is the main authority, remember to use “principal” with the word “pal” in it.

9. Weather and Whether

• Whether is a conjunction and is used to introduce a choice or doubt between two alternatives.
  • Example: She could not decide whether to buy a new bag or use her old one.
• Weather is primarily used as a noun to describe the atmospheric condition of a place.
  • Example: We are expecting some bad weather tomorrow.

Tip to Remember

A good way to remember the difference between the two is to notice that “whether” has two “h” in it and is used to introduce a choice between two or more things.

10. It’s and Its

• It’s is the contraction of “it is” or “it has”.
  • Example: It’s a good day to go out for a picnic.
• Its is a possessive form of the word “it”. It is used to indicate possession or ownership.
  • Example: The restaurant has increased its rates.

Tip to Remember

If you get confused between it’s or its, replace the word with “it is” or “it has”. If the sentence makes sense with either of those substitutions, use “it’s”. If the resulting sentence doesn’t make sense, you need “its”.

Even well-read individuals can make common mistakes, but by using the tips we’ve discussed, you can enhance your written and spoken English, whether for academic purposes or personal growth.

Can you think of any more common grammar mistakes? Let us know and we can help you remember how to use them correctly!­

Exams and tests are a challenging part of school life for students of all ages. Children worry that if they perform poorly on a test, they’ll disappoint their parents, or be judged by their friends, or maybe even miss out on the college they really want. And while a certain amount of stress is normal and expected, extended periods of this or excessive stress can have negative effects on the student’s performance and overall well-being.

In this article, we’ll discuss the signs of exam stress and ways you can help them through it.

“Anxiety also has the potential to shut you down,” explains neuropsychologist Ken Schuster, PsyD. “When kids are having test anxiety they can’t think clearly, they can’t judge things the way they could if they weren’t anxious. All of your other abilities get clouded up by anxiety.”

Signs of Exam Stress

Outbursts and mood swings are more likely to happen as a test day approaches, but there are several other signs to look out for that can tell you if your child is facing more pressure or anxiety than usual:

• Not eating or eating too much
• Irregular sleeping patterns
• Worrying too much
• Irritability or low mood
• Stomach aches

If your child shows some or all these signs, this would be a good time to teach them how to manage their stress for help now and in the future.

Helping Children Cope with Exam Stress

Here are some of the ways you can help your student manage or overcome test anxiety:

1. Keep track of their eating and sleeping habits

If your child is stressed about an exam, they may skip lunch or stay up late into the night to study. Lack of sleep coupled with a bad diet is detrimental to your child’s physical and mental well-being. Ensure they eat all their meals and get 8-9 hours of sleep daily. A healthy diet and a good night’s sleep can help your student stay sharp and focused, and ensures they’ll have all the nutrients required for their brain and body to keep up with the demands of daily life.

2. Make sure they go out, take breaks, and meet with their friends regularly

When stressed about an exam, some children may see socializing or taking regular breaks as a waste of time. But studying for hours and not giving the brain some rest doesn’t work. The brain needs time to process the information and rest properly to refocus and recall later.

3. Ease up on daily chores

Your child will be busy preparing for their exam. It’s best at this time to let them prioritize studying over doing house chores. For example, if their room is messy, instead of asking them to clean it, you could help them clean it this time or let it be messy for another day.

4. Talk to them

Talking them through their nerves and asking why they feel pressured can help you understand how they perceive this exam and why it has them worried.

After discovering their concerns, you can guide them out of their anxiety in a healthy way. If they are uncomfortable talking to you, suggest they speak to someone else, like a friend, sibling, or teacher. The important thing here is that they speak to someone about their true feelings and let those emotions out. Sometimes talking about your anxieties can help you realize you might be making a mountain out of a molehill.

5. Provide support, not criticism

The child already feels the pressure. After they open up to you about their worries, it is best to avoid criticizing their methods or invalidating their feelings. Instead, listen with an open mind and suggest ways to help them in an encouraging, thoughtful manner.

6. Help them study or find a tutor

When you talk to them, you’ll discover where their stress stems from. If they feel unable to cope with their studies alone, you can offer to help. They could study with you or ask a classmate taking the same test. Studying together, either with you, a classmate, or a tutor, can help your child clarify doubts, alleviating some anxiety. It can also make them feel like they’re not in this alone.

7. Let them vent

After their exam is over, discuss it with them. Let them vent if needed. Whatever their emotions are—disappointment, anger, embarrassment, or bravado—accept them. Their feelings are what they are; they are neither right nor wrong. There will be plenty of opportunities for conversations later, so refrain from making judgments or offering solutions.

An important thing to remember is that exams are simply a measure of their progress in a subject. It doesn’t define who they are, and it shouldn’t take such a toll on their physical or mental well-being. Performing poorly on an exam isn’t the end of the world!

Key Takeaways

• Extended periods of stress can be counter-productive and detrimental to your child’s performance on the test, and overall well-being.
• Keep an eye out for signs of excessive stress, such as irregular eating and sleeping patterns, worrying too much, irritability or low mood, and stomach aches.
• Help manage the child’s test anxiety by encouraging regular breaks and socializing, easing up on chores, providing support rather than criticism, and helping them study or seek a tutor if needed.
• After the exam, acknowledge and support the child’s feelings, whether they are favorable or not, and reassure them that the exam does not define their worth or future success.

Are you planning to take the ACT this year? Are you worried about how to prepare for it to get your best score? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Preparing for the ACT for the first time can seem challenging and scary. That’s why we have created the ultimate ACT prep checklist, not just to help you prepare for your test but also to give it your best shot. With the proper preparation and practice, you can improve your chances of getting a high score and gaining admission to the college of your dreams.

This article contains important information to help you prepare for the ACT, including test dates, preparation tips, progress assessment, and a list of test-day essentials.

In this blog post, we’ll cover:

• ACT dates for 2023
• How to prepare for your ACT
• How to assess your progress
• Things you should (and should not) carry on test day

If you plan to take the SAT this year, read this blog to help prepare for it.

ACT Dates For 2023

The first thing you need to do is to make sure you’re aware of the test dates for this year. The ACT is offered seven times a year, usually on Saturdays. Here are the ACT dates for 2023:

• February 11th, 2023
• April 8th, 2023
• June 10th, 2023
• July 15th, 2023
• September 9th, 2023
• October 28th, 2023
• December 9th, 2023

The registration deadlines for the ACT usually fall about a month before the test date. However, be sure to register for the test at least a few weeks in advance, as spots can fill up quickly.

You can start putting together a study plan by working backward from the date you have chosen to take the test. Once you have finalized a date, here’s how you can create an effective ACT study plan.

How To Prepare For The ACT

Unlike the SAT, the ACT covers four subject areas – English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. That’s why preparing for the ACT exam requires time, effort, commitment, and a solid study plan. Here are a few essential pointers to get you started:

1. Start Early

Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to prepare. As this test helps determine which college you will go to, it’s imperative that you don’t take this test in a rush. Ideally, you should give yourself at least three to six months for preparation.

2. Understand the Test Format

Familiarize yourself with the format of the test, the different sections, the scores allotted for each section, the types of questions asked, etc. Knowing what to expect on the day of the test will ensure that there are no last-minute surprises. It will also help you strategize your study plan in a way that suits you best.

3. Take a Practice Test

Take many practice tests during your prep. By taking practice tests, you can get an idea of where you stand and which areas are your strengths and weaknesses. You can plan your study schedule in a way that helps you know and overcome your weak areas and maintain your strong areas. You may find one section or a type of question difficult or time-consuming. Practicing that multiple times can help you get better at it.

4. Develop a Study Plan

Once you know where you stand with regard to the test format and syllabus, you can create a study plan that covers all the subject areas and gives you enough time to practice. Allot more time for areas that need improvement or that seem more challenging than others. Then move to areas that are your strength.

5. Manage Your Time

Create a study schedule that works for you. Incorporate a dedicated study time in your daily schedule and follow it through. Note that the ACT is a timed test. So, make sure you time yourself when taking practice tests to know which sections of the test take more time than others. Practice those more and aim to finish your test on time. This part is critical because you can know all the answers to the test, but you should also have enough time to write them.

6. Ask for Help

If the test prep gets overwhelming or if you think you need extra help, consider creating a study group with your peers, working with a tutor, or enrolling in a test prep course. Studying with your peers can help build confidence, drive, and help you all feel accountable. There are other options readily available today. Find your nearest ACT prep tutor or a test prep course that is highly recommended. Tutors will be able to guide you in the best way and ensure that you score desirably.

7. Take Breaks

Don’t forget to take breaks in between your prep time. It’s important to take ample breaks during your preparation to avoid burnout. Take a day off every week to recharge and relax. Ensure you don’t create an unrealistic study plan that is hard to keep up with. Instead, include ample playtime or break time to recharge yourself every now and then.

8. Use Your Study Material

When you are preparing for your ACT, you must make use of all the different types of prep material that are available. Use a combination of study materials, such as textbooks, guidebooks, online resources, practice tests, ACT prep courses, and review courses to improve your knowledge and skills.

Don’t forget to check whether you meet the test requirements and confirm that you have registered online. You should receive your admission ticket once you register for the test. While you would likely receive an email or any other type of notification in case there are any changes, it’s always a good idea to check your test center’s location and test timing to make sure there are no last-minute closings or exam delays.

How To Access Your Progress

Once your ACT prep is in the running, you may want to assess your progress to ensure that you’re on track.

• Take practice tests regularly to help you track your overall progress throughout your prep time.
• Track your time and see whether you can finish the test in the allotted time. If not, see which sections take up more time.
• Review your mistakes and identify patterns to avoid making the same errors in the future.
• Keep track of your study hours, practice test scores, and other metrics to see how far you’ve come.
• Seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers to identify areas where you need to improve and get suggestions.
• Adjust your study plan based on your progress to ensure you are making the most of your study time.
  While these are the things you should do to prepare for your ACT, here are some things you should avoid doing:

• Last-Minute Cramming

Last-minute studying can sometimes prove to be helpful, let’s say, for class tests. But the ACTs are tests that help you decide your future and, therefore, have much at stake. Along with your syllabus, it also tests your time management and dedication. Therefore, take that time to rest.

• Pulling an All-Nighter Before the Exam

Pulling an all-nighter the night before the exam can make you grumpy and irritable on the test day. Rest plays a critical role in memory and recall, making sleep one of the most important things you can do the night before the big test. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep.

Items You Should Bring On The Day Of The Test

On test day, make sure you have everything you need without taking unnecessary items that might distract you or delay the check-in process.

• A printout of your admission ticket
• A valid photo ID
• A face mask, just in case
• Several sharpened No. 2 pencils
• An eraser
• A calculator (check the ACT website for a list of approved calculators)
• Watch (without an audible alarm)

Items You Cannot Bring to the Testing Center

• Any electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, tablets, smartwatches)
• Food or drinks (unless you have a medical condition that requires them)
• Books, notes, or scratch paper (the testing center will provide these)
• Highlighters, colored pens or pencils, or correction fluid
• Backpacks or bags

Double-check with the testing center to see their exact list of prohibited items.

On Test Day

Here are some tips to help you arrive at the testing center feeling refreshed, prepared, and calm.

• Eating a nutritious and balanced breakfast before heading to the exam center ensures your brain and body have the energy needed to carry you through hours of test-taking.
• Wearing comfortable clothes can help you feel more relaxed and at ease throughout the 3-3.5 hours of the test. Bringing a jacket to the test center is also a good idea.
• Arriving at the test center at least 30 minutes before the test time to avoid any unwanted delays in traffic or anything else. Being early also lets you check in, store personal belongings, and settle in before the exam.

Conclusion

Preparing for the ACT requires dedication and consistent effort. By following this checklist and committing to the process, you can be confident about your preparation and take the ACT with your best foot forward.

Remember to stay calm and focused on the test day, and don’t be afraid to seek help and guidance from your peers, teachers, or family. Good luck on your ACT journey!

Ready to take the ACT? Here’s the link to register online.

To become a better student—‘better’ meaning getting good grades, not missing homework assignments, and passing your tests—studying has to be part of a daily routine.

Don’t make that face! Developing good study habits may sound daunting (or boring), but we know for a fact you can make the process both fun and effective so you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll cover the following:

• How to make studying fun
• Tips for smarter studying
• Why cramming isn’t effective

How to Make Studying Fun

Studying doesn’t have to be drudgery. Since it’s your personal time, you can make it fun. And if it’s fun, you’ll do it more, won’t you? Especially when you start seeing the results of your efforts, like feeling less anxiety before taking a test because you know the material and seeing your grades improving.

Make It a Game

Gamify your study time by using a productivity app like Habitica to make your tasks more enjoyable. Quizlet offers study tools including flashcards and game-based quizzes, or Kahoot, which can turn your notes into study games.

Create a Study Group

Studying with another person or in a group can make it more enjoyable and engaging. You can quiz each other, share study tips, and get help on a subject if you’re struggling. But clear boundaries must be set beforehand, so the group study session doesn’t become a play date or a video game tournament.

Explore Multimedia Options

Are there podcasts or videos on the subject matter that could help you? Search online for other ways to enhance your study time with different types of learning opportunities.

Treat Yourself

Set a study goal and then reward yourself when you reach it. Your treat could be a sweet snack or an hour of game time. Whatever gives you that well-deserved pat on the back.

Tips for Smarter Studying

Developing effective study habits, no matter what age, will help you work smarter, not harder, and give you a stronger foundation as you advance through school, on into college, and into your career. That’s right. Studying is a lifelong activity, not just something you’ll do during your school days, so getting into a groove now will have far-reaching benefits.

Establish a Distraction-Free Zone

This could be the solitude of your bedroom with a “Do Not Disturb, I’m Studying!” note on the door or a quiet corner of the library. Wherever you find needs to be without things that distract you, like gaming devices, your phone, or a younger sibling.

Divide and Conquer

Create a plan for what you need to study and divide it into smaller, manageable chunks either by subject or volume or however it works best for you. Doing this will keep you from feeling overwhelmed if you have a lot to do.

Set Goals for Each Session

This goes hand-in-hand with dividing your study load into chunks. Set realistic goals each time, whether it’s subject-based or time-based. You’ll feel a gratifying sense of accomplishment after you reach each goal. But don’t beat yourself up if you don’t achieve them every time. Studying sometimes takes longer than you plan.

Quiz Yourself

Instead of just reading your notes over and over, try quizzing yourself. Write your questions on one side of an index card and the answer on the back. Shuffle the cards, then start. This activity is also a great idea when studying in groups.

Take Good Notes

Having good notes to review during your study time can reduce your time studying. If you’re not much of a note taker, relying on your memory to hold all that knowledge, get out of that habit. Hearing something and then writing it down increases memory retention, so taking notes on both what the teacher is saying in class and when you’re reading through the materials is ideal for more effective studying.

Paying Attention in Class

This one should go without saying, but distractions are all around us at all times of the day. The classroom is no exception. So if something or someone in the classroom is making it difficult for you to pay attention, even if it’s just seat placement, ask the teacher to help.

Stay Organized

If you have a lot going on with family life and extracurricular activities, you might need to keep track of upcoming tests and assignments on a calendar. Recording them will keep you from missing any and allow you to see how much time you’ll need to study.

Make Time!

If you’re involved in extracurricular activities or lessons or have a part-time job, making time to study may be challenging. But studying is arguably just as important as other priorities in your life, so make sure to carve out some time for it.

Plan your Study Sessions

It’s recommended to schedule a specific time each day to study, set how many days during the week you’ll do it, and stick to it. Block out your study time on the calendar just like you do for other activities. Even if you’re all caught up, stick with this time to review your notes or brush up on the next assignment. Staying consistent will help this become a habit, which will help you tremendously as your progress through school to college.

Take Breaks

Non-stop, marathon study sessions will only drain you and could have a negative impact on your subject-matter retention. Instead, take frequent breaks to rest your mind and stretch your body, but avoid picking up your phone to check social media, which will not give you the mental break you need.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Your body requires sufficient sleep to recharge and prepare for a new day. Not enough sleep can reduce your ability to retain information, pay attention, and deplete your overall motivation.

Why Cramming Isn’t the Answer

Why study, you might ask? Why not just cram before a test or assignment and be done with it?

Staying up late the night before, furiously trying to memorize the material you think might be on the test, only compounds your stress. Plus, the lack of sleep is detrimental to your physical well-being, not to mention your brainpower. Overworking the brain too much and too often increases anxiety, frustration, fatigue, and can lead to confusion.

Like the body, the brain needs time to relax and refocus. Cramming tends to backfire as the stress on your brain can actually cause you to forget what you tried to squeeze into it the night before, leaving you staring at the question on the test in bewilderment.

You may not realize it, but studying is actually a skill. For most people, studying doesn’t come naturally; just like any skill, you must practice consistently to become good at it.

Studying just an hour or two a day is usually enough to make it through high school with passing grades. However, when you get into college, you’ll discover that there aren’t enough hours in the day to fit in all the studying you need. Therefore, developing effective study habits sooner rather than later becomes crucial to not flunking out.

Developing effective study habits will take time and effort. You’ll probably have to try several different methods until you find your groove, so be patient with yourself. Just don’t give up.

Learning good study habits when you’re young is ideal, however, it’s never too late. New skills can be learned at any age. You know yourself best, so find exciting and fun elements to inject into your studying sessions to make them more enjoyable.

Article source(s)

Sukru Burc Eryilmaz, Ph.D. Candidate, Stanford University https://web.stanford.edu/~eryilmaz/cramming_is_ineffective.html