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Happy St. Patrick's Day from your friends at Helena Sylvan Learning!

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#10 Look to the Future
For some students, college may seem like an intangible event in the very distant future, but in reality, it isn't so far off. Starting early can be an immense help in navigating the college admissions process. Be sure to get organized, set goals with your child and have regular check-ins to assess progress.

#9. Read Actively
It's all too easy for students to skim, over an assigned book chapter and not know the main points of what they just read. Help your student to practice active reading by asking him or her to note the main idea of each passage and look up unfamiliar words or concepts. Make an outline of the chapter or create flow charts and diagrams that help map out the concept at hand. After each section, have your student write a summary in their own words and come up with possible exam questions.

#8. Review Test-Taking Strategies
It is normal for your son or daughter to feel stressed when taking an exam. However, there are certain strategies that willl help him or her manage the stress and do his or her best on the exam. First, make sure that your child arrives on time and tries to stay relaxed. Students should be sure to read all of the directions on the exam and pace themselves as to not feel rushed. You can let your child know it's OK to skip around on a test, if allowed, as he or she may be more comfortable with certain topics than others.

#7. Practice Active Listening
It's important for students to concentrate and avoid distractions when an instructor is presenting. Some tips to share with your child include: try concentrating on the main points being made, think about what the speaker is saying and pay attention to how things are said (gestures, tone of voice, etc.). They should avoid talking or thinking about problems when listening. If a teachers says, "This is important" or "I'll write this on the board," there's a good chance students will see the concept on an exam.

#6. Create a Study Group
Working in groups can help students when they're struggling to understand a concept and can enable them to complete assignments more quickly than when working alone. Kepp groups smal and structured to ensure the maximum benefit to participants and reduce distractions.

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#5. Think Positively
Being in the right mindset can make all the difference. Encourage your child to think positively when studying or heading into an exam and be all means, avoid catastrophic thinking. Help your student turn negative statements like, I'll never have enough time to get a good grade on this exam," into positive ones like, "I began preparing later than I should have but I put together a comprehsive study plan and will be able to get through the material prior to the exam."