The grade 7 orientation includes a focus on executive functioning skills. Here is a sampling of reflections from some of the students:
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“Teachers open the doors, but you must enter yourself.” – Chinese Proverb
Today, I walked into a new world, the world of high school. This morning, I learned about how the brain functions. I learned several interesting facts, not only from my teachers, but also from my classmates. For instance, I discovered that the neurons in your brain could transfer messages to other neurons.
After this activity, I learned how to work my laptop. I created folders for different subjects that I will learn about this year. I learned how to back up my work, keep myself organized using iCal (the virtual calendar), and more.
My favourite part of the day was music. We went into the music building to be assessed for playing different instruments for music class. We played the flute, the clarinet, the trombone, and the trumpet. At the end, we wrote down three of the four instruments of which we most enjoyed. I chose the flute, the trumpet, and the trombone.
I had a superb first day of high school full of learning experiences. I look forward to the next five years at LCC. –Alyssa Cohen ’17
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“The early bird catches the worm.” This quote is very much relevant to the subject of this passage (what successful students do that others don’t).
Without the benefit of time management, how would we cope with the work that is distributed to us on a daily basis? Getting a head start is more than essential in creating an admirable assignment and over-achieving grades. The key to time management is taking advantage of your spare moments, placing schoolwork in your top priorities and assuming yourself (as in when you will be able to handle such work and live up to your maximum potential). Brilliance and gifted talents may play a role in being an accomplished student, but one of the most important traits in a student is being efficacious and learn not to procrastinate in field of schooling. –Julia Leb ’17
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In my opinion, the difference between a successful student and a less successful student is their mindset and their behaviour. A successful student will manage their time by planning everything out before he or she even starts an assignment. An effective student is organized and mentally prepared to work. As opposed to a less successful student who is very unorganized and will most probably leave all their work to the last day. An unorganized student does not focus solely on work. He or she may be listening to music or playing a game instead of focusing on their work. An efficacious student is an honest and hard working individual whose main goal is to work to succeed. An industrious student is very productive during class and takes good notes. He or she also understands the work ahead of him (or her) and prepares him or herself accordingly. This may involve charging your laptop in advance, or doing research on the topic that was assigned. In summary, a successful student organizes their time well, understands the task ahead of them and is prepared to work. Do you think you have the makings of a successful student? –David Greenstein ’17
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I agree with the fact that you should be able to make choices for yourself in school. Students should choose the best option for their learning style and not leave anything to chance. For instance, if you can choose between three projects in one of your classes and you don’t choose wisely, you might get a project that is way over your head, or a project that is way too easy for you. If you chose the right project, then you will challenge yourself, and not get stressed out while you are working on it.
There is a quote I would like to share with you.
“Man is condemned to be free. Because as soon as he is thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.” – Jean-Paul Sartre
High school can be a very confusing place, but also a place full of potential. In order to maximize your potential, you must make wise choices. We have been given a greater amount of freedom in high school than in elementary school, but if we don’t use this freedom wisely, our high school experience will be ruined. This is particularly important because the choices you make in high school will impact you for the rest of your life. –Samuel Freder ’17
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In my opinion there is one fundamental thing that successful students do, that less successful students don’t do. Less successful students don’t sleep as much as successful ones.
When you sleep, your brain organizes all the information you have received that day. Some information is stored in your long-term memory and other information is stored in your short-short term memory. The brain also has different subjects, just like at school. For example, the language area, problem-solving area, or the feelings area. So, while you sleep, the brain sorts through the information to direct to the correct area. Also, getting more sleep helps you concentrate more the next day. The brain also grows while the rest of your body is asleep, so more sleep leads to a larger brain.
Benjamin Franklin, who was a world-renowned genius, was also convinced of the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. He once said: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”
I wish you all a very good night! –Paul Virally ’17