5 Ways to stand out from your classmates

August 12, 2021

With school starting this week (depending on your county) I figured I'd reflect and offer some concrete advice on how to be the star student of your school. Most of the time, the first day, really the first week sets the tone for the rest of the school year. It will demonstrate how other classmates will perceive them, especially their teachers. Parents, share this blog with your child as I dive into 5 ways they can stand our from their classmates.

1.) Be attentive. Ask Questions

One of the most frustrating things I've been told from my peers who are teachers, is when they are teaching, not a single student asks questions during class, but do poorly on their tests/quizzes. Most teachers find ways to make their class fun, educational, yet engaging. When a teacher notices a student consistently raises their hand, and answers questions, it shows a level of respect and attentive. Ask questions about a homework problem that was difficult, because I guarantee you are not only the one who may have had difficulty completing it. This will create a new rapport with their teacher, but it will also gain the respect of their peers as they will ask for help. Thus, creating a leader in the classroom. 

2.) Sit near the front of the classroom

I will have to admit, this is something I did not do a lot of growing up. Just like most people, I always sat towards the back where my friends were. It was not until I was in middle school that I started to sit towards the front and be an attentive student. Not only will this separate you from your peers (literally) but it will keep you focused in class and the teacher will remember that student. 

3.) Do practice work 

Think about a time in a math class that you are having difficulty learning a new concept and was feeling discouraged. I strongly recommend to do extra work outside of your homework for practice. Start with doing 10 problems a day, then increase it to 20. This will not only build reinforcement of the material ,but it will increase their confidence as well. In addition, this will prepare them for any quizzes or tests and also reduce test anxiety. Also, watching videos on Youtube about the topic at hand is also a great study habit. 

Searching practice sheets online (that are free) is a great start. This is something I do even now in College. Another great resource is your math textbook, doing problems that are similar to what is being done in class, but also challenging yourself to do the advanced problems (if possible). Part of separating yourself from your peers or people in general, is challenging yourself to do things that people would not normally do. Thinking outside the box.

4.) Make study groups 

I can assure you, there is strength in numbers. Forming study groups is a great way to not only make friends but also strengthen and increase knowledge. It will challenge your child to also develop a new approach to solving a problem that may be easier than the method they are already using. Having a group of people that are all trying to succeed in the classroom is a testimony to the dedication and had work that is in play. As a result, having that synergy of like-minded individuals will not only push a student to better, but the other students around them. 

5.) Volunteer more often

During the classroom setting, most teachers will casually stop their lecture and ask for volunteers for a demonstration or an activity. This is a method used to help keep students engaged and apply the topic at hand into a fun and creative way. So when the teacher is asking for volunteers, I encourage your child to raise their hand. Not only will this build knowledge and confidence in them, but it lets the teacher know that your child is willing to actively participate and show interest in the class. This goes a long way as they will soon to be known as the star student that the teacher will set as a leader for the rest of the class. Therefore, other students will look to them for guidance as well. 

Here's 5 things I put together based on some of my friends who are teachers, but also based on things I did when I was a kid. Starting the school year can be stressful, but let's find new ways to make a student's year as stress-free as possible. I wish you and your student a prosperous and exciting school year.