Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department offers tips to help students prepare for final exams

We’re nearing the end of first semester – and that means it’s time for first-semester final exams.

The Willowbrook Guidance Department would like to remind students and parents/guardians about the modified bell schedule that will be in place from Dec. 17 to 19 to administer final exams. Each class period will last 100 minutes to provide adequate time to complete the exams. Students should review their classes with the bell schedule below to determine the specific times and dates of their exams. Pupils who have questions about the time and date of their assessments should speak with their teachers.

Tuesday, Dec. 17
Period 1: 7:45 to 9:25 a.m.

Period 3: 9:35 to 11:15 a.m.

Period 4: 11:25 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 18
Period 7: 7:45 to 9:25 a.m.

Period 2: 9:35 to 11:15 a.m.

Period 5: 11:25 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19
Period 8: 7:45 to 9:25 a.m.

Period 6: 9:35 to 11:15 a.m.

Period 0/Makeups: 11:25 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.

* Buses will be available each day to take students to school for the first and second exams and will begin taking students home after the second and third exams.

Here is a list of tips to help students prepare for final exams:

• Study guides: Most teachers will give you a study guide that outlines specific terms and concepts you’ll find on the exam. Spend time focusing on what’s listed on the study guide, as it will highlight the most important information.
  
  
• Notecards: Create notecards with names, events and key terms on one side and facts and definitions on the other side. This provides you with a quick and organized study tool.
• Study groups: Meet with other students from your class to have topic discussions and quiz one another. Make sure the group you’re working with isn’t going to cause more distraction than studying. Check with the teacher to see whether he or she might be offering a study session.
  
  
• Study area: The area where you study should be quiet, comfortable and distraction free. Try studying in your room, at the library, or at a tutoring center such as ARC or SOAR.
  
  
• Stay focused: Keep your study environment quiet. Turn off TV and music, and ask family and friends to wait to text and call you until after you’re done studying. Keep your phone out of sight, so you’re not tempted to check social media or e-mails. Close the door if you’re studying at home. If there are too many distractions there, consider studying at school or at the public library.
  
  
• Rest: It is recommended to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to help keep energy levels at their max. With the necessary rest, your brain can better process information, and you can lessen some of the anxiety and stress associated with taking an exam.
  
  
• Eat healthy: If you want to stay sharp during studying and while taking your exams, try to avoid eating junk food. Bananas, apples, leafy vegetables, whole grains, eggs and peanut butter are great choices.
  
  
• Relaxation/mindfulness: Enter exams with a positive attitude and belief you will perform at your best. To prepare your mind, engage in mindfulness breathing exercises and create a personal motivation statement such as “I believe in myself.”

For questions or more information about final exams, call the Guidance Office at 630-530-3417.