Q&A for How to Get Straight A's in 8th Grade

Lots of televisions have a “parental control” option. You can ask your parents or a family member to set that up with a time limit or to block your access altogether!

If you are trying to learn lists, try learning them 5 items at a time. For example, if you want to memorize the Greek alphabet, start with Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon. Repeat it until you remember it well. Next, study the next five letters until you remember them too, and so on.

If classmates are distracting you by talking to you directly, try sitting in the back of the class. They will be less likely to talk to you then, because they'd have to turn around to do so, which can get them into trouble. If a particular classmate is distracting, then you can ask the teacher if he or she could move you to a different seat. Explain that the student is preventing you from focusing and learning.

When you're coming back from school, think how to organize your day better so that you have plenty of time for assignment completion. As for the math, take a private teacher or practice using online sums and guidance.

If you don't already have one, consider getting a prescription for medication to help with your focus, such as Ritalin or Adderall. You will need to see a doctor to get this prescribed for you. If you are on medication and it's not helping, ask your doctor to try a different dosage or medication that might work better.

Have an honest talk with them about your situation. If they lash out at you for "not liking them" or "being a bad friend", consider getting an adult involved. True friends will understand when you need some space to focus on achieving your goals.

If something is going on at home and it's affecting your learning or other parts of your life, try talking to your school counselor. He or she can help you deal with stress or any problems that are affecting you. Plus, your counselor doesn't have to tell anyone what you said unless you ask them.

If you're trying your hardest to concentrate and they're still bothering you, privately ask the teacher to move either them or you so you are not sitting so close to them. Explain to her that you really want to learn but it is difficult with the distraction.

To practice for math, you can go to a site like Khan Academy, which has instructional videos if you need help with a certain subject. For organization, you can always get a binder with multiple tabs. Folders work great, too.

If you really feel that you are being kicked out for no reason, maybe you can talk to your parents about it and they can talk to your teacher or principal. In the meantime, talk to a classmate about taking down some notes for you in case you get kicked out.

Find a folder with 4 pockets and use each pocket for a different subject. Likewise, find a notebook with 4 sections and do the same.

Have your parents make an appointment with your doctor, and tell him/her that the medication isn't working. They may want to try prescribing an alternate medication, or if you'd rather try something else, they might refer you to a therapist/mental health professional who can teach you some coping and studying techniques. You have plenty of options, but talking to your doctor should be your first step.

When you come home from school, study instead of hanging out with your friends or doing anything else. Get rid of distractions, like your phone. Ask your teachers for extra work and take study breaks to stay motivated.

If you do not like to study at night, do your homework as soon as you get home from school. This way you'll have the rest of the night to do what you want. If you have sports or other activities, do your homework during lunch or other breaks, or in the car/on the bus to and from school/your other destinations.

Talk to your parents about what the teacher said. They might want to meet with him/her to discuss your grade and what can be done to improve it.

Talk to your teachers and figure out what you're doing wrong. Try to pay better attention in class and participate in class discussions. Devote more time to studying and completing your assignments. You might also try finding out if your teachers are offering any extra credit work, that could help you bring your grades up.

Don't get involved with the drama. If your friends try to involve you, tell them that you'll talk to them later, you're trying to focus on the teacher. If people around you are constantly bothering you, ask the teacher to move your seat. You can also suggest your friends visit the guidance counselor to work out their drama.

Lots of people have the same problem; infatuations in young teens can be overwhelming. It's normal, but you do need to exercise some discipline. Take deep breaths and focus.

If you're not allowed to use a planner in class but you're allowed to use a notebook, then I suggest saving a sheet of paper or a page in your notebook for writing down your assignments. If all else fails, ask your classmates to remind you about any assignments you're worried about missing.

You could always ask one of your good friends or a teacher of that subject to help you. Don't feel embarrassed about it.

Have something to keep you focused on the lesson and not on what is happening out the window. For example, try writing notes as a good way to keep you on task.

Maybe have 20 minutes of rest and set goals for yourself. In addition, you can study for shorter periods of time like 30 minutes and then you can have a small break.

Keep organized and have good time management. But, who expects you to be perfect? Your parents, your classmates? Perfection is an unattainable goal; if people are putting unreasonable pressure on you, talk to your school counselor.

Set a reminder or keep a sticky note near you at all times reminding you, also ask the teacher to remind you and let them know that you are having trouble with this.

Always study for tests, even if you already know the material or think you’ll get a passing grade. If that’s the case, just review. If your tests are timed, talk with your teacher and politely explain your situation and request an untimed test. You can also talk with your guidance counselor or a trusted loved one about unnecessary stress. Remember, study hard and you’ll succeed!

Be prepared for school so you don't stress about forgetting something or not knowing it. The night before school, make sure you have completed all of your assignments due the next day. Make sure you have everything in your backpack/binder (or whatever you carry your school supplies in). Make sure you feel prepared and comfortable with the material you learned that day. If you had trouble understanding something, ask a teacher/friend/parent ir look online. You can also look in a textbook or website you use in school. You can focus on school by getting a good night's sleep and eating a healthy, filling breakfast. Remind yourself to focus on your teacher and don't play with distracting items.

First talk to your parents about this. Let them help you out and ask your teacher once you've calmed down.

It depends from person to person. some people only need 40 minutes, while some people need a few hours. Try setting aside about an hour and a half every evening for homework and studying. If you get done before then, read a book or study for upcoming tests for a few minutes. Just spend a good amount of time doing school-related constructive activity.