Salutations from Mrs. Jones- 

Analogy- A resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise unlike...

So here is my analogy...

Running and studying...How are they similar?

Some of you may know that I have been training to run a 5K (3.2 miles).  While I was running the other day the thought came to me that perhaps my training was similar to students studying...

In the last 3 months I have run in the rain, the heat, the humidity...I have worked out when I didn't feel like it...I've run on the weekend to make up for a day I had to miss during the week...I've trained to run farther than the 5K so I can go all out on race day...

And just yesterday, after a long talk with my daughter, Serena, I realized that I need to yet again make some more adjustments to my workouts ...

In short, it's been difficult and very challenging to make this happen...

But here is what I believe...I believe that on race day I am going to be successful and do very well...I believe that I will meet my time goal, if not exceed it...I believe that the race will be easy compared to the training...

Now, you may be wondering what exactly any of this has to do with studying...But stay with me...because I think it does...

I think that if you discipline yourself to actively participate in class, read your study guidelines carefully, ask questions, help others with questions, complete all assignments and homework...find a "study buddy", and have a positive attitude...then test day won't be the hard part...

Test day will be the easy part...because you will have put in the time and effort prior to test day...Does that make sense?

Oh and one other thing that is super important...and that is to remember this:  If something isn't working...do something different!

So, if you are trying different ways to learn and study, and you are not being as successful as you want to be...then make an adjustment...do something different...ask me or your parents for suggestions...ask your friends who do well what their strategy is...

And never quit trying!

I believe in you...