Welcome to High School! 🎯
Starting 9th grade is a big leap—new teachers, harder classes, and way more independence. This guide will help you build the study habits that'll carry you through all four years.
Remember: You don't need to be perfect. You just need systems that work for YOUR brain.
How to Build a Study Routine
Before You Start (5 mins)
- Clear your workspace—phone away, snacks ready, materials out
- Write down your top 3 goals for this session
- Set a timer for 25 minutes (Pomodoro technique)
During Study Time
- Start with the hardest subject while your brain is fresh
- Take 5-minute breaks every 25 minutes—move your body!
- If stuck for 10+ minutes, write down the question and move on
After Each Session
- Review what you accomplished (celebrate small wins!)
- Update your planner with tomorrow's priorities
- Pack your bag for tomorrow before you relax
Organization Systems That Actually Work
📱 Digital Tools
- • Google Calendar: Color-code by subject
- • Notion/Todoist: Assignment tracking
- • Forest App: Phone-free study time
- • Quizlet: Digital flashcards
📝 Paper Tools
- • Planner: One with weekly + monthly views
- • Sticky notes: Visual reminders everywhere
- • Subject folders: Different color per class
- • Wall calendar: Big picture view
🏠 Your "Home Base" System
Designate ONE place where everything school-related lives:
- • Backpack always goes in the same spot
- • Homework station with all supplies ready
- • Charging station for devices
- • "Inbox" for papers that need parent signatures
ADHD-Friendly Study Strategies
🍅 The Pomodoro Technique
Work in short bursts with built-in breaks:
- Set timer for 25 minutes of focused work
- Take a 5-minute break (move around!)
- After 4 rounds, take a longer 15-30 minute break
👥 Body Doubling
Study alongside someone else (in person or virtual). You don't need to work on the same thing—just having someone else working nearby helps you stay focused.
🎨 Color-Coding Everything
Assign each subject a color and use it EVERYWHERE: folders, highlighters, calendar events, sticky notes. Your brain will start associating the color with the subject.
🧩 Chunking Big Tasks
Break overwhelming projects into tiny, specific steps:
Instead of "Write essay" → "Find 3 sources" → "Write thesis statement" → "Outline intro paragraph"
Time Management for Busy Students
Weekly Planning Template
⚡ Quick Prioritization
- Urgent + Important: Do first
- Important, not urgent: Schedule it
- Urgent, not important: Delegate or rush
- Neither: Delete it
⏰ Time Estimates
Always add buffer time:
- • Math homework: 45 mins → Plan for 1 hour
- • Reading chapter: 30 mins → Plan for 45 mins
- • Essay draft: 2 hours → Plan for 3 hours
Procrastination Busters
"Just Start" Tricks That Actually Work
Get the Complete PDF Guide
Download all these strategies plus printable planners, trackers, and templates