Studying 101: How Students Can Study More Effectively

Studying is not a popular subject among students. This is mostly because they tend to struggle through it, not knowing where to start or how to do it without burning out. Fortunately, people have been studying for a long time, so we have found study methods that work. In this guide, find tips for studying more effectively and balancing studying with other parts of life. 

Create a study schedule.

The first step to more effective studying is setting aside plenty of dedicated time. Find time blocks that work around your schedule, including extracurricular activities and time with friends. It’s important to make study time work for you. When you plan out your study sessions, prioritize subjects that might be more difficult for you, and break the sessions down into manageable chunks. Don’t plan to cram the night before—plan early, and leave room for breaks. 

Find the right study environment.

Some people can buckle down and focus no matter what’s going on around them. Most of us aren’t so lucky. Look for a study space that has minimal distractions, like a quiet area of the home or a corner in the library. Look for a comfortable, well-lit space where you can focus for chunks of time without feeling drowsy. Try experimenting with different study setups to find what works best.

Utilize proven study techniques.

Great news about studying: many people have done this before. Try different note taking strategies, like writing by hand and then typing up your notes later, or the Cornell Method of sectioning off your notes to keep them organized. Make sure you’re actively listening to your teacher during lectures. When you find yourself distracted, acknowledge that and tune back in. It may help to ask questions to stay engaged in the lecture. 

Incorporate self-care into study routines.

The last thing you want to do while studying is burn yourself out. Plan breaks as part of your study sessions. Consider getting up and taking a walk between subjects. Physical activity helps improve your cognitive function, and we tend to do a lot of sitting during school and study sessions. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals, especially in the week leading up to a big test. 

Seek help when you need it. 

Asking for help can be hard. However, not asking for it can create a snowball effect as concepts build on each other. If there’s one concept you struggle to wrap your head around, talk to your parents or your teacher. Consider finding a tutor if there’s a subject that’s especially difficult for you. Sometimes, joining a study group can give you all the help you need. It can be easier to learn with the help of others who are learning the same material. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we want to make sure our students have all the tools they need to succeed. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

How Christian Education Instills a Sense of Community

Students spend most of their time at school, so how they feel at school impacts their overall wellbeing. Christian schools specifically focus on creating environments where students feel loved and accepted. Every Christian school is a community based on faith. Read on to learn about how this sense of community comes into play in students’ lives. 

Community and Belonging Through Shared Faith 

Students from all walks of life come together at Christian schools. However, many of them share similar beliefs and values. Teachers at these schools ensure that students feel loved, accepted and comfortable sharing their faith with others. Through Christian education, students receive emotional and spiritual support alongside their classroom lessons. 

Experiencing Faith with Other Students

By attending Christian school, students become more immersed in their faith. Regular worship services and group prayer on campus bring faith to the center of their lives. Academic lessons are taught through a faith-based lens, allowing students to relate to the material in a different way than their peers. This experience of faith is unique to faith-based schools.

A Culture of Coming Together to Serve Others

One pillar of Christian education that cannot be overstated is the commitment to serving others. This often expands from local community service projects to mission trips around the world. Through Christian education, students have the chance to interact with people facing real-world issues, which causes them to develop an understanding and passion for charitable causes. 

Benefits for Students in the School Community

Students at Christian schools find themselves surrounded by staff, faculty and fellow students who have at least one thing in common with them—their faith. This leads to a sense of belonging from the first day they walk through the school’s hallways. This makes it easier to connect with other students and build meaningful relationships on campus. Along with the sense of community among peers, students receive support from school faith leaders. If they ever feel spiritually lost or have questions about their faith, they can seek guidance from a trusted adult at school. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we encourage students to live in their faith through faith development programs and a Christian school community. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Setting House Rules for Your Teen Driver

Learning to drive as a teen can be exciting. With a car, you can go where you want when you want. Suddenly, after a lifetime of relying on others, you can be a little more independent. Parents can help their teens understand the responsibility that comes with this newfound freedom. Here are some tips for setting house rules for your teen driver: 

Establishing Expectations

Start by discussing driving privileges and responsibilities with your teen. Chances are, they’ve thought more about their newfound independence than what they need to do to earn it. Establish guidelines, like curfew and passenger restrictions, at the beginning. Set clear consequences for breaking rules. Doing this upfront will lead to fewer questions when you need to enforce the rules. 

Safe Driving Practices 

Before your child goes out on the road, make sure they know how to do so safely. When you talk about driving safety, make sure you have their full attention. Emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times. Discus the dangers of distracted driving, such as texting and talking on the phone. Encourage defensive driving techniques and awareness of other drivers on the road, especially if you live in a highly populated area. 

Monitoring Behavior

When your teen goes out driving, you’ll want to know where they are. This is as much for their safety as it is for your peace of mind. Find a teen driver monitoring app, like Life360 or TrueMotion, that provides location information as well as insights on driving habits. Check in with your teen regularly about their driving experiences. When appropriate, provide feedback to help them become safer drivers. 

Encouraging Responsibility

Driving can be fun, but it doesn’t come without responsibilities and expenses. Have a talk with your teen about the cost of car maintenance and insurance. Set expectations for gas and maintenance responsibilities. The last thing you want is for your teen to be out of gas or stranded because they waited too long to maintain their car. This would also be a great time to remind your teen about the dangers of distracted driving. Have them take ownership of their driving habits to reduce the risk of accidents. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we know driving is an important part of growing up, and we encourage parents to be present for the journey. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Ways to Support an Aspiring Athlete

Athletic children need support from trusted adults. Sports can be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting, but they can also be fulfilling. Children have some of their best experiences on the field and on the court. Being part of a team brings children together and helps them form lifelong friendships and fond memories. Here’s how you can support your aspiring athlete and help them make the most of their experiences:

Help Them Stay Motivated

What your aspiring athlete needs most of all is encouragement. This starts with being at every game and being present with them after. Provide words of encouragement and positivity to boost your child's confidence. When they’re just starting out, they may need to be reminded that no one begins as a pro. If they make mistakes, help them reframe them as learning opportunities. Keep your child motivated to stay dedicated and focused on their goals.

Invest in Their Future

Sports can be expensive. However, it can be worth the investment if it’s truly what your child wants to do. Invest in quality sports equipment and gear for your child so they can be safe and perform their best. Cover the costs of training sessions, competitions and travel expenses. Keep these expenses in mind whenever your child expresses interest in a new hobby or sport.

Attend and Cheer at Games

Showing up is half the battle. Your athletic child will remember that you were there for their games and competitions. Be a positive and enthusiastic spectator, cheering on your child and their teammates.  When they’re young, they may act embarrassed about your enthusiasm, but they really do appreciate it. 

Offer Emotional Support

Disappointment happens. It’s very rare that a team wins every game, and not every child can be the star player. Help your child cope with these setbacks as they happen. During times of intense pressure, like your child’s team playing that one game or going to that one competition that determines the outcome of the reason, help them destress. Encourage them to find an activity outside of the sport that helps them calm down. When they’re centered, they’ll perform better when the big day comes. 

Connect with the Team

Build positive relationships with your child's coaches and teammates. Connecting with their athletic community can go a long way toward showing your child you care. Stay involved in the team’s activities, and show your support. This can be especially helpful when conflicts arise and your child needs you to step in and help. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we are proud of our student athletes and do what we can to help them succeed. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Making Goals for a More Mindful New Year

New Year’s Resolutions are a time-honored tradition, but they’re also notoriously difficult to achieve. Rather than making a checklist of things you think you’re supposed to do in a year, consider setting mindful goals that focus on improving your life and the lives of others. Here are some ways you can make more mindful goals for the year ahead: 

Focus on Personal Development

One reason New Year’s Resolutions often fall to the wayside is that they’re focused on image. Consider setting goals for yourself that start from within. Commit to taking an hour to yourself each day. Whether you spend that time in the gym or in the living room, spend it doing what you want to do and prioritize self care. If you need something more specific, set a goal for a number of books to read or a new skill to learn. 

Consider Setting Academic Goals

School is a big part of life, but it can be hard to make it a priority when you have a lot going on outside the classroom. This coming year, look at ways to improve your time management skills, like blocking out certain hours of the day to work undisturbed on homework and studying. Set realistic goals for leveling up your knowledge in subjects you struggle with. One of the best ways you can help yourself academically is remembering to ask for help when you need it. If you make no other academic goals for the new year, make this your goal. 

Seek Better Connections with Others

Getting through life is always easier when you have strong relationships with others. Look into ways you can strengthen your current friendships and family bonds. Send cards for birthdays and holidays. Check in on friends and family you don’t see often. If you feel like you want to expand your network, look for opportunities to make new connections and find new friends. We can always find more ways to form meaningful connections with those around us. 

Tips for Achieving Mindful Goals

Now, you have your goals in mind. Your next step is figuring out how to make them happen. With a little bit of planning and consistent work, you can accomplish your goals. Here are a few tips: 

• Break each goal down into smaller, manageable tasks.

• Keep a journal or planner to track your progress.

• Stay motivated, and focused on the bigger picture. Why do you want to reach these goals, and how will they improve your life? 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we always encourage students to aim high and work hard to reach their goals. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.