Get your school year off on the right start... and get organized! Students today are bombarded with all kinds of 'opportunities' but these opportunities can turn into arguments and stressors if they are not planned and discussed with the rest of the family. Here are a few suggestions for helping students get off on the right step for the school year:
Discuss the types of out-of-school activities you want to be involved in with your parents before agreeing to participate in them. Consider putting a limit on the number of activities you will be in each quarter or semester. Stick to your limit!
Figure out how much time each week you will need to dedicate to out-of-school activities. Remember, this is time away from homework. Consider whether the classes you are taking will require more time to prepare and do well. Remember, put schoolwork first!
If you get into an out-of-school activity and find that you do not like it, do not feel discouraged and do not quite mid-stream. We learn what we like and don't like only through experience. Stick with the activity until it ends. You will feel better about yourself and provide a better impression to others than if you quit.
Choose your priorities. Many students are faced with two of their favorite activities occurring at the same time at least once. Discuss the pros and cons of each activity with your family and then you're your decision and stand by it.
Following these simple tips will help you handle your schoolwork and extracurricular activities with more confidence and less stress than if you don't plan ahead.
Questions? Contact Tosha Cantrell-Bruce, Unit Educator, Youth Development at
tcantrel@uiuc.edu
Featured Websites
Additional Websites
Community Service Learn how to plan, implement, and evaluate community service projects in 4-H Clubs.
Character Education Cultivating knowledge for purposeful living, students learn through literature, art, humanities, and throughout the existing school curriculum the benefits and consequences of behavior.
4-H Ceremonies Discover scripts for common 4-H ceremonies.
Walk in My Shoes Learn what it feels like to be older and what happens to our bodies as we age.
All-Star River Explorers Join famous North American river explorers as you learn about what rivers are, how they form, and why they are so important to us.
Becoming 4-H Savvy Basic information for volunteers about the ins and outs of 4-H.
Knowing Your World Lessons and activities designed for 4th & 5th graders to learn about acid rain, global warming, water resources and other environmental topics.
Working with Committees This website contains fact sheets, role descriptions, worksheets, and additional resources to assist volunteers and 4-H members in developing effective committees within their club
For more information about these programs, please contact:
Tosha Cantrell-Bruce
Unit Educator, Youth Development
Macoupin County Unit
#60 Carlinville Plaza
Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: 217-854-9604
FAX: 217-854-7804 tcantrel@illinois.edu
Amy DeWitt
Community Worker
Macoupin County Unit
#60 Carlinville Plaza
Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: 217-854-9604
FAX: 217-854-7804 adewitt@illinois.edu