I'm wearing "go-britches" and I am ready to get started on this assignment! I understand how to get started; plus, I have a few ideas of my own.

Great! You have the ability to think about or imagine what the final result will be. Also, you probably know how to break larger tasks into smaller steps and understand the order in which they need to be done.

If you see a classmate that needs help getting started, describe what you think the final result will look like and share with them what you're going to do first.

I don’t know where to begin with this assignment. I’m totally confused, and I feel overwhelmed.

Try to imagine what the finished work will look like. Find out if the teacher has a model of the final product.

Make a checklist of the steps that need to be completed. Focus on one step at a time. This works well if you feel afraid that you are not able to do the work. Small steps are less frightening than one big assignment.

I almost always turn in my work when it is due. This usually isn't a problem for me.

You are very fortunate! You have a clear understanding of time and probably know how to plan for long-term projects and manage your activities. Share your secrets with someone who is having difficulty with getting their work in on time.

I'm not good at getting my work turned in on time.

Where does time go? If you always seem to put things off until the last minute, ask yourself why. Is it because you're afraid to fail? Is it because you have too many things to do after school? Is it because you're confused about the assignment? Is it impossible to get work done where you live? Discuss your reason with a close friend, then get your hands on an assignment book.

I have trouble following schedules and remembering what I need to do.

I'm pretty good at spending the right amount of time on assignments and guessing how much time my work will take.

Congratulations! You must pace yourself well. Chances are, you are pretty good at telling how much time it will take to do something. Being able to match your pacing (how fast or how slow you work) to the demands of a task is a valuable skill to have.

Call me Taz! I usually rush through assignments. I know I don't take enough time to do a good job.

Understanding how long you need to focus and how much time you need to complete an assignment are required for almost everything you will do in middle school and in high school. Always stop yourself when working and ask, "Am I working too frantically (in a hurry and unorganized) or too slowly?"

Dr. Mel Levine's suggestion for using a timer might help you at home.

1. Set the timer for 15 minutes and work until it alarms.

2. When it goes off, get up and move around for a few minutes. (Repeat until you're done.)

I tend to take a long time completing my work. It can be very tiring at times.

I can usually "stick" to an assignment until it is finished. I don't have much trouble keeping my attention on what needs to be done.

Great! You must know the secret—that we all need to "train" for studying and working on big projects in much the same way you "train" for a sport. It takes effort to build up (muscle up) your "stick with it" ability. Keep on building up your strong capacity for work and thinking. Cheer on (and cheer up) classmates that have trouble going the distance.

Okay, so I give up too quickly at times! I feel overwhelmed or get so frustrated that I say, "Forget this!"

Do you know that we all need to "train" for studying in much the same way we "train" for a sport? It takes effort to build up (muscle up) your "stick with it" ability. It doesn't happen naturally, but you can learn to stick with your projects. And don't forget to take small breaks when working on a long challenge. Make the breaks physical, too. You will get blood flowing to all parts of your body, carrying much-needed oxygen to your brain.

Find out what time of day you work best and save your most difficult tasks for your "best" time of day.

My problem is more that I don't have patience to sit still long enough to finish. I can do the work and I understand the assignment, but I go crazy working on one thing for a long time. So many other things get my attention and distract me.