CURRENT EVENT HEALTHCARE-RELATED TOPIC
CAREER SPOTLIGHT (HCA Coordinator)
PRE-TEST
SAY: FACE IT! Homework, is a basic truth of life. You can’t get away from it, no matter how hard you try to. So, it’s important for us to talk about the subject of homework and share various ways to help you be the best you can be at it.
Also, in lieu of designated activities, we’ll take time to explore some of the many cyber options available for homework help on the Internet. SUGGESTION: There are several resources included in the “Drill In” presentation, but it might be a good idea to do some research on your own, too.
BRAINSTORM ACTIVITY: “What Was Your Most Difficult Homework Assignment?” In teams, think about and talk about your most difficult homework assignment and answer these two questions—Why was it difficult? What was the final outcome?

“Drill In!”
Homework for Teens
Introduction
10 minutes
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©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2007

SAY: Now, let’s take a look at what we will be working on this month.
Explain why homework is good for you.
Explain the three types of skills needed to do homework.
Identify ways to keep focused.
CHARACTER MOMENT: Self-Discipline
Okay, let’s get started!

“Drill In!”
Learning Objectives
5 Minutes ____________________________________________

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SAY: Hopefully, everyone saw the movie “In Pursuit of Happyness” featuring Will Smith and his son. The movie is about self-made millionaire Christopher Gardner and how he turned tragic childhood circumstances into an incredible success story.
If HE can so can you!!!
You know, you will PROBABLY have homework … . That’s a fact! So, learning to build the necessary skills now will help you to become a better student and classmate.
Believe it or not, much of your success will depend on your attitude not just about how you approach your homework assignments, but about a lot of things. LEARN THIS LESSON NOW … Your attitude is your greatest asset. It’s a choice. Attitude comes from within, and YOU have the ability ALONE to choose.

Chris Gardner Quote
5 minutes
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SAY: Again, what YOU do in school depends on your attitude and your willingness to learn. Teachers are available for more than just helping you with homework. They are an essential contact to help YOU develop the lifelong skills YOU need to be the best you can be at school … and at home.
WHY? Teachers are in touch with all aspects of school and community. They can help guide you and provide support along the way. They have a unique perspective as an adult that you may not be getting from home—from your own parents or guardians. They can help you with grants, scholarships and even a job recommendation.
So, show interest, be alert and respectful. Get extra help and ask questions.
WAYS TO GET ON A TEACHER’S BAD SIDE: If you are insincere, it shows. Also, don’t feel you have to be a teacher’s pet, let your abilities shine through– be the example for others. Also, don’t think that buying your teacher extravagant gifts will get you a good grade. (NOT cool)!

A Word About Teachers
5 minutes
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ASK: Homework needs to be your FIRST priority—no matter what. You should devote at least one hour a night (or more) to homework. If you don’t have anything specific to study or a specific assignment, you should be reading and studying relevant books or your notes.
MOTIVATION is key! If you want to succeed in life, you have to be motivated on the inside to do whatever it takes. If your motivation comes from getting money from your parents for good grades, then chances are the things you learn won’t stick with you.
An interesting point, girls usually spend more time doing homework than guys. (Source: The Mood of American Youth 1996 and The State of Our American Youth 1997).
So … Develop good habits/skills … NOW!!!

Just Do It!
5 minutes
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READ SLIDE.
SAY: THINK about the amount of time you spend on homework, alone. The time you spend (or not) may have a direct impact on your overall grade.
INVEST the time! Go above and beyond … . It WILL makes a difference, and it’s all up to YOU.

Homework Is Good!
5 minutes
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©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2007

SAY: If you are organized, manage your time wisely., and establish a regular study routine, you will succeed at homework. No doubt about it … AND, it’s that simple!
If on the other hand, you are struggling in this area, think about what YOU need to change. Chances are that one of these skill areas are lacking in your homework routine.
Let’s take a closer look … .

Three Essential
Homework Skills
5 minutes
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SAY: Homework is a major part of going to school each and every day. And, it’s important to have homework so that the things you learn in class can be reinforced. ASK: What are your LIFESAVERS?
First, CREATE A PLAN. It’s important to understand why you are doing what you are doing. Ask questions in class so you don’t struggle with the assignment later. Use any extra time to work on your homework in school. Manage your time wisely!
Second, WATCH WHERE YOU WORK. Are you doing your homework in an area where your concentration is tested—like in front of television or at the mall. Get in a place away from noise and distractions and spread out a little.
Third, START WORKING. Tackle the hard assignments, first. If you get stuck try to figure it out on your own. If you can’t, call a trusted friend or even your teacher.
Four, TAKE A BREAK. Try to take a 15 minute break every hour. It will help with your concentration.
Five, GET HELP IF NEEDED. First, ask your teacher. Second, ask a trusted friend or a tutor. You can always check on line, but be
careful of the source—not all are reliable!

Make Homework
Less Work
10 minutes
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©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2007

SAY: Learning how to focus will help you to succeed at whatever you want to accomplish in life. Listed below are four basic steps.
ORGANIZE. If you are organized, it makes everything else easier. Really! Try it! Keep assignments together either in binders (with separate sections), notebooks or folders. Take notes and then rewrite them; it helps to remember important points.
PLAN. Don’t take a chance and leave things until the last minute. Something is bound to go wrong! Plan ahead and monitor your progress. Set and reinforce appropriate deadlines for papers and school projects. Even the best of us can loose track of things every once in while. Ask for help if you need it, but don’t wait until the last minute.
MY SPACE. Designate a study place that’s YOUR study space. You know what you need to focus better than anyone else does. Not too comfortable, like your bed or favorite bean bag chair. THINK about best resources and then get focused … stay focused!
DO IT! Know your deadlines, dates, events, assignments, and most of all expectations. If you have trouble staying focused, ask your teacher or parents for help.

Remember to Keep
Focused!
10 minutes
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©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2007

SAY: When it comes to homework, there are certain expectations.
If it’s taking you ALL night, to do your homework. YOU NEED TO ASK FOR HELP. Either the teacher’s assigning too much or there’s a problem with time management. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Homework should reinforce what you are learning in class and shouldn’t realistically cover new territory. Also, if there is something you don’t understand, you need to ask about it.
Homework should help you understand new concepts you are learning and prepare you to take a test, strengthen a new skill or help you to be more knowledgeable on a particular subject area.
You should ENJOY homework! Homework should be challenging and fun!
Also, ask for feedback from the teacher about whether or not your homework turned in meets expectations. It’s better to find out sooner than later! Agreed?

So, What’s Fair?
5 minutes
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SAY: Little things do make a BIG difference! So, don’t skip the small stuff. What are we talking about? Usually, your grade is a combination of different things … that’s the small stuff!
Make sure you do your homework. YOU do it, okay? - Not your mom, your brother or your best friend!
Turn things in on time or before the deadline, if possible. Get it done!
During a review of homework in class, make sure you participate and are involved. Class participation does count in the long run and it could make a difference in your grade point average at year end.
In the BIG scheme of things … the reality is ... SMALL things matter!

Don’t Skip the Small Stuff!
5 minutes
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SAY: Staying connected is important for our overall emotional health and well being. Let’s take time to explore some options available to you on the Internet!
SUGGESTION: Make sure you can connect to Internet in the classroom. ASK teacher for cyber resources they use in the interactive classrooms. HAVE FUN!!!
SAY: So, whether it’s cell phones, emails, IM, blogs, text messaging or paging, we want o be in touch! According to recent research on www.teenhealth.org, 80% of teens between 13 -17 said they absolutely need technology to stay in touch.
IM is a good way to get homework help from your friends, too, as long as it’s not too late or last minute stuff. But , be careful not to stay up late talking instead of working! Be careful about “cyber” help or IM: it’s very easy to become addicted to the WRONG things!

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Helpful Cyber Resources
15 minutes
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SAY: Never before has there been a time when so much help if available for students. Get HELP! Here’s a list of possible people that would be willing to help you. READ SLIDE.
Find a mentor. Find a new friend. Find a tutor.
Get the help you need NOW! If you’re struggling in a particular subject area now, don’t wait.

If You Need Help,
Get Help!
5 minutes
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SAY: Your school days should be some of the most adventurous and fun days of your life. But, it’s all it how you look at things. If you’re not already, get excited about school. Learn what you can, while you can. Take advantage of these opportunities now. ALL the doors are open for you at this time in your life. The older you get, doors will begin to close. SEIZE THE MOMENT!
Pursue the things you love and are interested in!
PROBABLY what you are learning now can be applied to REAL time and REAL life. Learn and GROW!
Ask your teachers for help and support in this area. If something truly interests you now, ask for career guidance. If not, be patient … you’ll find your way!
Keep up with your assignments. Really, there’s no reason why you can’t. With ALL the technology available today to you—there’s no excuse for not keeping up. Make the effort! Be involved!
Find a subject that interests you and check into it! Be curious about things … . Now’s the time to explore the POSSIBILITIES!

Change Your Attitude …
Change Your Life!
10 minutes
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SHARE: Talk about the importance of SELF-DISCIPLINE. Self-Discipline is the difference between WILL power or WON’T power!
READ QUOTE by: Christopher Gardner: “Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something.”
Alice Coachman was the first African American woman to win a gold medal in the high jump in the 1948 Olympics in London. She was the only American woman to win a gold medal in these Olympics. She broke the previous world record of the high jump. Coachman’s success in the area of track and field, paved the way for women to compete in this type of sport.
And, in 1952, she was the FIRST black, female athletic champion to sign a product endorsement for a corporation—Coca Cola!
ASK: How do you think SELF-DISCIPLINE helped her achieve her goal and win big in the 1948 Olympics? How do you think SELF-DISCIPLINE can help you achieve your goals?

Character Moment
Self-Discipline
5 minutes
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SAY: WRAP IT UP:
Distribute POST Test
Evaluation

Wrap It Up … The End!
5 minutes
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©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2007