Share this checklist with a student. Sharing it will give you a chance to talk with the student about study habits and study environments.
Procedures
Identify a student with whom you feel comfortable. It might be a student in a class you work with. It might be a young person whom you know personally.
Share the checklist (included below) with the student.
Ask the student to give honest answers about habits and environments.
Discuss the answers. Talk about study habits or environments that might be improved. Talk about what the improvements would be.
Study Habit or Condition
Self-Rating
I do not watch TV during study time.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I use my phone ONLY for music or as a calculator during study time.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I study sitting upright, facing a wall.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I find someplace quiet to study, even putting up a “do not disturb” sign.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I have a few study spots that are “mine.”
Yes
Sometimes
No
I keep a calming mechanism nearby, whether it’s a bottle of water or a worry stone to rub when I’m frustrated.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I do not talk on the phone after bedtime.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I eat fresh fruits and veggies twice a day, and drink lots of water.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I take breaks every 25-45 minutes to regain focus.
Yes
Sometimes
No
During breaks from studying I do something quick, fun, and physical; or I eat a cold snack.
Yes
Sometimes
No
I have a reward system in place: after a good study session, I reward myself by watching a favorite TV show or eating a snack.
Yes
Sometimes
No
Inside this Tool
Unit 1: Helping with Instruction in General: The Role of the Paraprofessional