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Students from Langham Girls High School aboard a bus back to school

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Cool Lifestyle Writer
It’s school time again!
Thousands of schoolchildren are probably feeling excited after opening schools yesterday and maybe a little sad that the holidays are over.
Some are feeling nervous or a little scared during the third term of school.
It’s the final term of the year and you get to be tested over what you have grasped over the last four years.

“It’s revision time and we should make use of the term.
“To the examination sitting candidates, it’s the time to stay away from WhatsApp and Facebook as that is where you determine your future,” said an 18-year-old from Mbare. Well, each school has a different opening day drill.

Some start with homeroom or an assembly, but others may jump right into the first period class.
According to some parents interviewed by Cool Lifestyle, back to school is all about planning for your     child.
“Imagine I was surprised when my 16-year-old daughter told me that her shoes no longer fitted on Monday when I was taking her back to boarding school.

“I had to make a U-turn in order as to buy those shoes.
“I had planned for everything, it’s just that you never know how kids operate. They just shift at the last minute but I am happy that she is starting a new term well,” said one parent who didn’t want to be identified.

Some students said this week it is all about holiday stories and serious business will start next week.
As always, Cool Lifestyle is here to help you, making your term enjoyable. Just like sport, you also need to plan and here are some strategies that can guide you.

l Make it a fresh start. One great thing about school is the opportunity to start each year with a relatively clean slate. Take advantage of that and embrace it. If there were problems in the last two terms, brainstorm on specific strategies on how to prevent it this term.
A common problem, for instance, is procrastinating on homework. What would be a better routine this term?

l Set specific goals. Aim for specific grades or points. To have a report card with you is an added advantage as you can monitor your progress or lack of it.

Figure out a reward if the goals are achieved.
l Eat right, sleep well. Make sure to get enough sleep and have three healthy meals a day.
Students, young and old, have trouble focusing on their school work when they’re tired and hungry.

To help on the sleep issue, figure out what time those electric gadgets video games, cellphones, laptops and the television must be turned off.
l Focus on the basics. Kids who go to school every day (including college students!), must consistently do their homework. Students are encouraged to ask for assistance if they face any difficulties in their work or homework. Scholars who are not afraid of asking for help are the most likely to succeed in their school work.

Now for the most important it’s much better  to ask for help when there is still time. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
It’s better to rectify your problems earlier than to fall behind and becoming hopelessly frustrated, which is not good for good grades as well.
l It’s all about you.

Teachers can only do so much and you have to be on the forefront always, teachers and lecturers are there to assist you.
School is one of those activities where you’ll get what you have put in. At school just like farming you reap what you sow and actively work on having a positive attitude and finding ways to make school fun and interesting.

Revise, revise, revise is the spirit this term. Wish you luck then