HS Teachers- what r all the options for a student who needs extra help?

Like if you find the homework confusing and/or you just don’t get anything being taught or read. I’m guessing (from the past) that I’m gonna need extra help on learning complex concepts and on some of the HW. I just realized that I may need assistance on several subjects this junior year and I don’t know how I’m going to address them all. I’m not mentally ill, but I was homeschooled and I’m going to a small public high school this year. I’m used to having someone assist me for everything. When I used to go to a public middle school I had severe anxiety attacks when I didn’t “get” something and I mean the effects were bad- Wouldn’t eat breakfast, no lunch, just a little dinner, and uncontrollable shakiness in the fingers all day at school. I had a class just for HW help and life problem-solving and that relieved it some (I got straight A’s) but I don’t know what I’m going to do this year. I don’t even know if there is support. But at the same I want to be as normal as possible.

Top 7 Answers

A few days ago

Anonymous

Favorite Answer

You have many options. First of all, read the chapter for class BEFORE the class is assigned the reading. Write down notes on what is in that chapter, and write down you questions. Do a lot of outside reading on the topics, more than what is assigned in class. When the class is discussing it, you will have some idea of what is going on. This will ease that feeling of fear and anxiety when you don’t know a subject thoroughly yet.

Study with a partner.

Ask guidance to find you a peer tutor.

Talk with your teachers outside of class, to find out how they offer extra help.

Guidance and your teachers will help you find out what all your extra help options are.

A few days ago

hsmomlovinit

Honestly, I think you may be putting a bit too much stress on yourself. It’s ok not to get straight As, though I understand that’s your goal (and it’s a good one). Occasionally, especially in high school and college, you actually learn more from the classes that you mess up in – it sounds wierd, but it’s true.

It sounds like you are very perfectionistic; so is my son. We’ve been working a lot on that the past few years. He would also have severe anxiety and outright refuse to do something when he didn’t get it, he would even decide that he was stupid and couldn’t learn whatever it was. (He’s younger than you, but I understand the anxiety.) He’s far from stupid – he’s actually incredibly bright – but had to learn, in a safe way, how to deal with that anxiety.

If you are a perfectionist, the first thing you need to do is to give yourself permission to fail. I teach at some of our local co ops, everywhere from elementary to high school classes, and I would honestly rather see a wrong answer from a student who’s trying to “get it” than a blank answer because they were afraid to try. This gives me an idea of where my student is and how I can help them.

You may experience some anxiety the first month or so of school – talk with your parents before hand and allow them to help you. When they give you advice on what to do, even if it seems out of character or difficult, do it. Feel free to ask your teachers for help, and be honest with them when you don’t understand something.

One thing that’s important to remember is that your teachers don’t expect you to be perfect; they expect you to try. If you “got” everything from the word go, they wouldn’t have a reason to teach you. It’s ok to be part of the learning curve – and you’ll actually learn some really great things once you allow yourself to let go.

For the first month or so, just focus on learning from your teachers, on figuring out what they expect and doing your best. I promise, your best is good enough – that’s all they can ask for. If you notice yourself having anxiety issues, tell your parents immediately and talk with a teacher you trust or with your guidance counselor. There is a chance that you may get some teachers who are not interested in giving out extra help when it’s needed – sadly, they do exist – but I think you’ll find that most of your teachers are willing to help you in reasonable ways. They won’t be able to hold your hand, but they will be able to explain things in different ways in order to help you understand.

I think you’ll also find that you’re better equipped to handle this situation than you think. I know that transitioning back into school can be scary, especially after such a bad experience, but chances are you’ve grown a lot in the past couple years, and are better able to deal with things.

I hope this helps – and good luck!

A few days ago

Annie

You have many options. Your teachers should always be willing to help you after school. The school I teach at has different extra help days for every subject. (For example Mondays are extra help days for Science, Tuesday are for Math, etc…). This allows the students to make sure they can see all of their teachers during the week at least once. Many teachers will also stay on days other than their extra help days if you ask them. I would suggest asking at least the day before since many teachers have workshops or meetings after school. You could also check to see if your school has a peer tutoing center that you could take advantage of either during a study hall or after school. If none of those options work, you can try hiring a tutor. Ask your school guidance office or your teacher if they can recommend anyone. Quite often local colleges will have tutoring centers you may be able to use (usually for a small fee).

A few days ago

teachingboytoy

In the school where I teach, teachers give 2 hours per week of recuperation time. All the teachers in a given subject area for a given level make themselves available to all students in that subject area and level to offer help. You may get the extra help you need from your own teacher or even from another who teaches that subject. This, however, does not replace class time.

You could try the colleges and universities – sometimes undergraduates give tutoring sessions for a fee. You could hire a tutor. You could ask a friend or someone in your grade for help. Speak to your guide advisor and see what options are available to you.

A few days ago

mbm244

If you are having such severe anxiety, I would talk to your school counselor. You should have help learning to manage your anxiety. You may also qualify for some resource time.

As far as learning the material goes, talk to your teachers. They will probably be available for some extra help after school. They cannot be there to help you with every single assignment. You can check into peer tutoring, or other tutoring options.

A few days ago

Summer

you have to talk to your teacher about it. and tell him that u are just not getting it and you think you are going to need some extra help.. he/she might be able to help you after school or they might be able to reccomend u to a tutor. The first step is recognizing that u need help and even your teacher will find that commendable. if u care about learning it, they care about helping you learn it.

Also there is nothing wrong with asking for help, people do it all the time and it is the secret to doing well. You probaly just don’t see them ask because it is after class. It is completely normal.. teachers want to help students thats why they teach..

: ) good luck

A few days ago

jateef

I’m really helpful to my students, and do help them individually, but it sounds like you want your hand held every day, every step of the way. Your high school teachers probably don’t have the time to do that every day. Let them know you’re struggling, ask for questions and help, but they can’t teach you a few years worth of material, as well as study/coping skills after school.

If you’re not “get[ting] anything,” you probably need a tutor in study skills, reading/lecture strategies, and maybe with content area stuff (math, English, etc).