As young kids, we may not have been in tune with how our environment played a role in our ability to focus and learn. By middle school though, we started noticing how some study strategies helped us more than others. Now as educators who’ve spent a good chunk of time in the middle school hustle, we get how crucial it is to have those tips and tricks up our sleeves. Having a study space that’s appealing can seriously up a middle schooler’s game when it comes to focusing, remembering topics, and just owning their studies. So, we’re going to dive into what makes a middle school study space tick and how to make it work like a charm!

The Importance of a Dedicated Study Space

Why is having a spot just for studying such a big deal for middle schoolers? Well, it’s not just about being all neat and organized. I mean, think about it: middle school can be a bit of a whirlwind, with all the different subjects, assignments, and projects flying around. Having a designated study spot is like creating a calm oasis right in the middle of that storm.

Their very own study nook that’s calm and distraction free. No blaring TV, no tempting video games – just a space designed for learning. Here, they can dive into their school work without feeling like the world’s rushing around them. It allows them to step into a focused zone where their minds can really sink into their studies.

And you know what’s even cooler? This is where those all-important study skills are born. Yup, those skills they’ll carry with them way beyond middle school. Time management, concentration, figuring out how to tackle tough problems – all of these start right here. So, it’s not just a study corner; it’s a launchpad!

Study Space Essentials

When starting the process to prep a study space, keep three things in mind:

1. Location Matters

When picking the perfect spot for your study space, remember a few things. First off, quiet is the name of the game. No one wants to be solving math problems with a rock concert in the background, right? So, find a place where the noise level won’t have you reaching for earplugs.

Lighting matters too – I mean, who can focus when they’re squinting like they’re staring directly into the sun? Let’s shed some light on the situation – literally. Natural light is like the rock star of lighting. It’s gentle on the eyes and gives you that feel-good vibe that’s hard to beat. If you can set up your study spot near a window and let that sunshine in, you’re golden.

But hey, we get it – not everyone’s got a sun-soaked study haven, or some prefer to be studious night owls. That’s where the magic of adjustable lighting comes in. Brightness is the name of the game here, and having a lamp that you can tweak to your liking is a serious win. Check out these adjustable lamps to help provide the right amount of light!

Say goodbye to distractions. We’re talking about staying far away from those electronic temptations. You know, the siren call of their phone or the hypnotic allure of video games. Keep the study space a tech-free zone, so they’re not suddenly taking detours into YouTube-land when they are supposed to be conquering that history assignment.

Here’s a bonus pro tip: Try to set up shop away from the hustle and bustle. Your students don’t want to be in the middle of a highway when they’re trying to focus on those math equations.

2. Setup Equals Comfort

First things first, let’s chat about where your students will be parking themselves. Comfort is key here – you don’t want a chair that feels like a rock or a desk that’s more like a torture device. Look for seating that you’d be happy to spend some time in, and make sure the writing surface is a good fit too.

But it’s not just about the cozy vibes. We’re also diving into the world of posture. A desk that’s the right height will make all the difference. I mean, who wants to feel like a human pretzel after a study session?

3. Include Organizational Tools

Alright, let’s chat about giving your study space some organization. Set it up so that your middle schoolers can find what they need when they need it. Think shelves, drawers, and all those nifty organizers that’ll give all your supplies a home.

Imagine this: you’re in the zone, ready to conquer that assignment, and bam! You can’t find your notes because they’re buried under a pile of who-knows-what. That’s where these organizational tools come in. Shelves provide a sanctuary for books, giving your textbooks a comfy home where they won’t disappear into thin air. Drawers? They’re keeping all those pens, highlighters, and sticky notes within arm’s reach.

Don’t forget those organizers. They’re personal assistants, making sure study materials are all lined up and ready for action. Your students will be amazed at how much smoother things go when they’re not wading through a sea of paper to find what they need.

Bring Personalization and Inspiration into the Study Space

Here’s a fun twist to amp up the study space game: Let’s talk about adding some personality to the space. You know, those things that make the space truly say “This is my zone!” We’re talking about turning your study space into a motivational arena.

Let your creative side run wild. Got dreams and goals? Encourage your learners to pin ’em up on a vision board right there in their study space. It’s a frequent reminder for them of what they’re aiming for. How about decking out space with artwork that screams “you”? Whether it’s a painting of their favorite superhero or a photo that makes them smile, these touches bring a burst of positive energy.

Personalization isn’t just about looking cool, though – it’s about creating a space where kids can become excited to dive into learning. When you surround yourself with things that inspire you, you feel more motivated to accomplish a task, small or big!

Minimize Distractions

Time to talk about the big, bad D-word: distractions. We all know they’re like sneaky little gremlins that show up just when you’re trying to get stuff done. But guess what? You can totally outsmart them with a few moves. Here’s the game plan:

First, let’s deal with those tech monsters. The ones that beep, buzz, and make you feel like you’re in constant alert mode. Take control by flicking that switch and turning off notifications on your devices. You can also use the focus mode options to minimize distractions during study time.

Now, when it comes to diving into the study zone, think about setting some ground rules. Try working in focused chunks of time, then taking mini breaks. So, set a timer for 25 minutes of solid study action, followed by a 5-minute stretch, snack, or just a dance break.

Encourage Regular Upkeep

Do you ever get in one of those moods where you clean every inch of your spaces? Then a few days pass by, and clutter has just appeared out of nowhere?! The audacity of your stuff, really. Staying organized in your study space is a major key to success. A clutter-free space means a clutter-free mind. When you’re not surrounded by chaos, your thoughts can flow smoothly and your stress levels drop.

I mean, imagine you’ve got papers all over the place, your textbooks are playing hide-and-seek, and your pens have disappeared into the Bermuda Triangle. Yeah, not the most inspiring study scenario, right? That’s where the magic of organization comes in.

Tell your learners to think of their study space as their personal command center. No more hunting for notes or rummaging for that one elusive highlighter. Everything has its own spot, and that means their brain can focus on what really matters – learning and preparing for those tests.

Involve Parents and Guardians

It actually takes a little bit of teamwork when it comes to setting up your study space. Teaming up with your students’ parents and guardians can help make their study space more effective.

Share these ideas with parents yourself or encourage your students to have the conversation at home. Either way, getting all parties on board is a surefire way to make it happen. Let them know how having a focused study zone can totally amp up their child’s learning game.

Time for a Study Space!

With some planning and a little intentionality, you can help your students create a study space that supports their learning. Give them guidelines for the basics and then encourage them to add some personal touches to make it their own.

And guess what? All of these tips and strategies for creating a great study space at home can also be applied to our classrooms.

Need a few tips for helping students learn to manage their time? Check out this blog post!

Save for Later

Remember to save this post to your favorite teaching Pinterest board to return for some inspiration to organize your study space!

AND, if you want more ideas for helping students with study skills, tune in to the podcast episode, A Guide to Study Skills — Strategies, Techniques, and Insights into Teaching Study Skills!

The post Maximize Learning: How to Design a Middle School Study Space appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

For most middle school math teachers, standardized testing time is probably NOT a favorite time of year. 
And the test prep weeks leading up to it might not be our favorite time either.

 

In spite of the fact that we never want to teach to the test or prepare students just for a test, the fact remains that students have to take the standardized tests, and we want them to do the best they can.

 

So, what are the best test prep strategies for middle school math students?

Five Test Prep Strategies for Middle School Math

1) Spiral Review
The most effective test prep method I’ve found is using spiral review throughout the year.

The warm-ups I use review previous concepts, reinforce current concepts, and introduce new ones.

• This way, we are always solidifying concepts (“prepping for the test”), and as we get closer to test time, the warm-ups give us a chance to discuss concepts that might show up in the testing, but that we won’t cover until after the testing occurs.
• Using these warm-ups may put me a little ‘behind’ in the curriculum on a daily basis, because they take time; but it helps solidify understanding and puts my students a little ahead with other concepts at the same time. I’m good with that:-)

You can read more about spiral review here, or read on for some other ways to help students prep.

See 6th Grade Warm Ups

See 7th Grade Warm Ups

2) Turn Review Into a Game

• Sometimes we’ve used  a Jeopardy-type game, with the math standard categories being the categories and the level of difficulty increasing with the number of points.
• We’ve also used a Deal or No Deal type game, where teams of students answer a question (I use task cards from our different units as the questions). If they get the answer correct, they get to choose a case, and the cases hold different point values.
• We also use our Truth or Dare games!

These games can span several days with a mix of concepts, or can focus on different standards on different days.

3) Use Centers
Your test prep strategies can include centers, to be implemented over the course of a week or two.

• I often use Footloose games as a center, using cards from the different units we’ve covered.
• One center can be a teacher-directed center that focuses on concepts you may not have gotten to in the curriculum yet. For me, that’s often surface area and volume.
• I also use the computers as a center. This works especially well if you have a subscription like Study Island or something along those lines that offers practice based on the standards.

4) Try a Structured Review 
Try a structured review as one of your test prep strategies.

• Display multiple choice questions for the whole group to solve and then select their answers. Together, analyze the answers and discuss why incorrect answers were chosen. Discuss how some answers could be eliminated. 

I love to use mini-whiteboards for this type of review – students just seem to have more fun figuring out problems on their own personal whiteboards!

I also like to have  students discuss their answers/compare their work with a partner or two and try come to a consensus, before discussing as a whole group.

To help with a structured review, I’ve created test prep packets and task cards for both 6th and 7th grades.

See 6th Grade Test prep

See 7th Grade Test Prep

5) Discuss Test-Taking Strategies
Test prep needs to include a discussion of, and practice of, test-taking strategies (which we discuss using the Test-Taking Strategies Wheel). 

Sometimes, it’s not that students don’t understand how to complete a math problem. 

See on TPT

Sometimes, they miss information in the problem or misunderstand what the question is asking.

It’s important to take some time to practice test-taking strategies. Of course, this is something to focus on throughout the year, but it doesn’t hurt to have a refresher before test-taking begins. The strategies I focus on the most are:

• Read directions
• Underline
• Choose a strategy
• Read all answer choices
• Eliminate answers
• Check your work
• Use resources
• Take your time!!!

In closing, I think it’s critical that we use some type of review throughout the year, to help students keep using what they’ve learned. This way they don’t feel like they’re cramming for the test as it gets close.

However, if some of that cramming ends up being needed, we can review in a fun, relatively stress-free way.

The post Five Strategies for Test Prep for Middle School Math appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.