This summer, students are keeping fit with periodic Train Your Brain sessions. From SAT prep to math refreshers to read and discuss workshops, these short programs focus on engaging topics that strengthen stamina for thought processes.
For those of you who participated in Session 1 SAT Prep... read on! For those of you who did not, don't worry, there might be a few tidbits for you too. And you can always join us during the next session July 29 - Aug 2.
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Greetings, ATA players and families! I hope you had a good time Training Your Brain and preparing for the PSAT/SAT last week. As the summer continues, we have some recommendations for ways that you can continue to build your skills and stay sharp.
Rec 1 Read
The best single thing you can do this summer (or in life, generally) to become smarter is to read books, and then talk about what you've read with other people. So, our main recommendation is to choose a good book that you're interested in and read a little of it each day, and then make some time to talk about it with someone; you could discuss it with your parents, your siblings, your friends (maybe they could read the same book?), or anyone else who has the time. At ATACP one of our goals is to build life-long readers, and there's no time to start like the present!
Rec 2 Speak Volumes
Another good idea is to keep up the vocabulary work that you started last week. Keep making and using flash cards, app entries, or whatever tool you're using to strengthen your vocab. Take a little time each day to study new words, and then look for them in the world--- you'll probably start seeing them in the news, reading them in books, and hearing them on the radio. Try using them in your own conversation! Find just the right word to express what you're thinking.
Rec 3 Review College Board
Finally, hold onto the materials you used in this class--- the white binder and the blue practice test book. Begin looking on the College Board website for an SAT test date that will work for your family, and get signed up. Those of you who are taking the official PSAT this year, check with your school to make sure that you are registered to take it.
Rec 4 Test Your Best
About a month before you take either test, start looking through these materials again. Read through the notes in the binder (there's more info in there that we didn't get to this time) and take practice sections or even full tests in the blue book, focusing on whichever topic(s) you know you need the most work on. A week or two before your official test, try to make some time on a weekend to take a complete practice test--- do it all in one sitting, and time yourself (it takes about three and a half hours). Give yourself the experience of taking a test of that length all at once, and make sure you prepare for it by eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and staying hydrated. Then, take your official test and blow it away!
For now, have a great summer! We're looking forward to seeing you again!
Contact hannahhagarcp@gmail.com to register for the next Train Your Brain session July 29-Aug 2.