Seven Habits of Highly Responsible Students
- They set goals. Goals keep us focused on the future. That’s why they are the foundation of responsible behavior—and success in school.
Help your child set goals. Goals help students focus on what is important and what is not. If they have a vision of where they want to go, they’re more likely to get there. Students with goals find it easier to say “no” to irresponsible behaviors…because they are saying “yes” to their vision of the future.
- They plan their time. Use a big calendar to help teach your child how to organise his/her time. Write down all commitments and use the calendar to plan time for homework each day. Remember the old saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
- They study every day. Learning any subject is like building a brick wall. You do it steadily, one step at a time. Responsible students set aside time for homework and studying every day. On the days when their teacher assigns no homework, these students “assign themselves.” That may be the day they review vocabulary words or review notes.
- They take notes in class. Students who earn all A’s seem to have one thing in common: they take notes in class. They have learned that teachers will almost always spell out what they think is important (which is what is likely to be on the test).
- They have the tools they need. A carpenter wouldn’t think of showing up without a hammer, but some students seem to think they can go to class without paper, pencils and other tools they need.
- They keep their commitments. Responsible people honor their commitments to others and to themselves. They succeed in school by doing their assignments well and on time.
Parents can teach commitment by example. Talk with children about the commitments you have made to the family—to provide meals, to keep clothes clean, to care for anyone who is sick, etc. Ask children to make commitments of their own at home.
- They get ready ahead of time. Some students start out every morning in a crisis. Responsible students have learned that being late, or being early, is not something that simply happens to them. It is a choice they can make.
Teach your child to take five or ten minutes before bedtime to get ready for the next day. (Pack the backpack, lay out clothes, etc.) Children will soon see that those few minutes will make the morning easier…and help him/her to get to school ready to learn.