Do you have a “Work Smarter Strategies” List on your front wall? You can add to it as you (and the students) think of them. Have some on the list to begin with. Here’s a good start:
Work Smarter, Not Harder!
- Remove any distractions. Don’t let tools become toys.
- Ask for what you need.
- Use what you already know, like “Right There” words.
- Ask a question if you don’t understand. Other kids don’t understand too.
- Solve a simpler math word problem first.
- Use the right gear for reading.
- Use abbreviations when taking notes.
- Preview a book to build schema.
- Say each part and spell each part of spelling words. Every syllable has a vowel. Try mispronouncing words to spell them (Wed-nes-day).
- Don’t rush!
- Draw a picture to see it better.
- Do 2 things at once, but only if you can.
- Use mnemonics (peg and link) for names.