The Student Toolbox is a series of six programs designed to help students plan, research and complete many of the required assignments normally done at home. The science fair project, the three minute speech, book reports and general homework organization are among the topics covered with a simple ‘how to’ format that guides the student through each process. Carefully designed to provide useful solutions to common learning roadblocks, The Student Toolbox also inspires creativity and fun.
Subjects: Library and Study Skills
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Book Report Basics
The most common challenge associated with book reports is not generating the report; it’s actually reading and understanding the book. Recognizing this fact, Book Report Basics reveals methods that will make the creation of book reports easier while increasing comprehension and appreciation for the work.
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Homework Handbook
Homework Handbook presents the positive nature of homework as an extension of the best part of school based learning. Communication with the teacher, the understanding of essentials, establishing a positive home environment, time management and the management of assignment deadlines are all integral aspects of the Homework Handbook.
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Oral Presentation
The advantage and benefits of effective communication skills in general are highlighted as a foundation on which to build confidence in Oral Presentation. Proper breathing, posture and concentration skills are demonstrated. The importance of topic knowledge is stressed and tips and tricks from professionals are introduced.
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Research Roadmap
The internet has become the fastest source for research. But what other sources of information are available? How do you credit the information you have gathered? How can you be sure of the credibility of your source? How can a parent or educator ensure that internet surfing is safe? These and many more questions are covered in the Research Roadmap.
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Science Fair
Following a review of a selection of successful and less successful projects, the Science Fair provides strategies for topic selection, timeline management and the creation of a project and materials checklist. Also, educators discuss the value and acceptable extent of parental participation in terms that both the student and parent can understand.
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Teamwork and Group Projects
Teamwork and Group Projects begins with an explanation of the theory behind group projects. From this basis, strategies and tips are presented that can make teamwork rewarding for all participants. The establishment of individual expectations, importance of balanced effort, and adherence to schedules and commitment to group activities are all stressed.
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The Student Toolbox
The Student Toolbox offers a short introduction to the series, followed by more detailed information on the following topics; Oral Presentation, Book Report Basics, Homework Handbook, Research Roadmap, Teamwork and Group Projects and Science Fair. Following a simple “how to” format you and your student will explore various templates, tips and formulas that will help them to help themselves.
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Doing Great Research
This program helps to teach the fundamentals of the research process by following a student as he grapples with the difficulties of independent learning through a research project. He discovers along the way that research is more of a creative adventure than just a classroom chore. With help from friends and teachers he learns to identify his topic, create concept maps and find a rich range of resources. He also discovers some trusted techniques in recording his information and in bringing it all together in a presentation plan.
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Successful Study Skills
Produced especially for students undergoing their senior years of secondary schooling, this program introduces us to the basic skills of successful study. It includes: the need to establish a good study environment, whole year and weekly planning, the value of library research, the importance of balancing study with other pursuits and interests, identifying and coping with study stress.