Seton Home Study School Study Skills Online

Once you determine the room or place where you will study, you need to arrange it so it is ready for your use, unless you are working at a library.

Select and arrange a permanent work surface. If necessary, buy a used desk. A desk with a smooth clean surface and drawers or space for your supplies is important. Be sure the surface area is sufficient so you can spread out your textbook and notebook or set up your computer, if your parents allow it. Spend time cleaning your desk. You will want to work at your desk if you feel like it is yours and you have made it perfect for you.

Be sure you have a comfortable chair. Be sure it is the right height if you are using a computer. It might take a few sessions of studying and of trying out different chairs to find the one best for you.

You will find less distraction if your desk faces a wall. You do want sunlight and fresh air during the warm months, but place your desk so that while you can take advantage of the light and air, you will not be distracted by outdoor activity.

Do not keep things in your study area which might distract you from your schoolwork. If you love to play the guitar, take it out of your study room. If you love to read mystery novels, keep them out of your study room. Games, puzzles, whatever might take you away from your studies, should be kept out of your study area.

Keep your study area organized. Have your books in their proper place, your notebook in one place, your pens and pencils in one place, and your school papers in one place. You will need a bookcase. Everything should have its proper place. When you begin to study, you cannot waste your time hunting for your supplies in a disordered pile!

Be sure you have all the supplies or materials you need in your study area. You need a notebook, pencils, pens, erasers, a ruler, paper clips, pencil sharpener, copy paper, and typewriter or word processor. Other things you need if you are a serious student are a dictionary and a thesaurus. You should have access to an encyclopedia whether at home or at the library. With your parents permission or oversight, you are likely doing research on the internet. However, an inexpensive used encyclopedia might be for sale at a library sale or garage sale.

     Next: Lesson 7.