Summary: This lesson starts with a self-assessment of how well students feel they prepare for and do on tests. Then it moves into what it means to study smarter, not harder– starting with the study cycle. The next section is on how long to study, focusing on the pomodoro technique, with time for students to try doing one cycle of a pomodoro. Then it moves into how to review, focusing on the look, cover, check method. The next section is on flashcards– how to use them and how to make them work. The next section is on the benefits of teaching content to someone else, with time for them to try out the Feynman technique. The final content section is on practice problems and tests and why they are worth doing. The lesson ends with an extension where students create a poster, flyer, or comic of study tips.

Teaching notes:The challenge for the pomodoro is getting them to all start– if needed, use individual timers to a break, not a full group timer. You also might want to just use a timer rather than one of the videos of pomodoro timers.

Approximate length: 120-140 minutes

About the curriculum: School success relies on key skills that students are rarely taught. The goal of this curriculum is to level the playing field and to directly teach the executive functioning, self-regulation, and life skills that all students need to succeed in school. Through 20 lessons across four units, this year long curriculum will help students build a foundation for success in school and life– and leave them with an individualized success workbook at the end of the program.