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Five Grade 10 Effective Study Habits for Guaranteed Success This Summer
May 13, 2025
Summer break is the perfect time to level up your math skills without the stress of school deadlines. If you’re struggling with math, don’t worry; you’re not alone. The key to success isn’t just working harder but working smarter.
Here are five research-backed study habits to help you ace Grade 10 math (and beyond) this summer.
1. Daily Practice: Small Steps, Big Results
Cramming the night before a test rarely works. Instead, try daily practice, even just 20–30 minutes a day. Math is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Set a summer schedule (e.g., mornings after breakfast) to review concepts like algebra or geometry. Apps like Khan Academy or Quizlet can make this easier, but old-fashioned pen-and-paper practice works wonders too.
Pro Tip: Struggling with a specific topic? Roots to Routes’ summer programs break down tough concepts into bite-sized, daily lessons so you can build confidence gradually.
2. Spaced Repetition: Outsmart Your Forgetful Brain
Have you ever studied something only to forget it a week later? Spaced repetition fixes that.
Instead of revising a topic once, revisit it over time. For example:
- Day 1: Learn quadratic equations.
- Day 3: Practice a few problems.
- Day 7: Test yourself again.
Some tools, like Anki flashcards, automate this, but a simple planner works too. This method is especially helpful if you’re a visual learner; try color-coding notes or drawing diagrams to reinforce your memory.
3. Active Recall: Train Your Brain to Retrieve Answers
Highlighting notes or re-reading textbooks can make you feel productive, but let’s face the truth; it’s too passive. On the other hand, active recall, quizzing yourself without notes, forces your brain to retrieve information, making it stick.
Here’s how:
- After studying, close your book and write down everything you remember.
- Use practice tests (ask your teacher or find them online).
- Teach the material to an imaginary friend (more on this next!).
Active recall is a game-changer for math because it mirrors how you’ll solve problems on tests.
4. Peer Teaching: Learn by Explaining
People say you truly understand something when you can teach it. Grab a study buddy (or even a patient cousin) and explain a math concept to them.
For example:
- “Let me show you how to factor polynomials.”
- “Here’s why the Pythagorean theorem works.”
If you stumble, you’ll instantly spot gaps in your knowledge. No partner? Record yourself teaching, it works just as well!
Fun Fact: Roots to Routes Academy’s small-group summer classes encourage peer teaching to build confidence and teamwork. It’s learning and socializing, win-win!
5. Self-Assessments: Track Progress, Not Perfection
Do weekly self-assessments to help you see what’s working (and what’s not). Try this:
- Every Friday, take a mini-quiz on the week’s topics.
- Review mistakes without judging yourself, and focus on why you got it wrong.
- Adjust your plan for the next week (e.g., spend more time on trigonometry).
Self-assessment keeps you honest and motivated. Celebrate small wins, like nailing a tricky problem, to stay encouraged.
Ready to Make This Summer Count?
These habits work best with consistency and support. But if you’re still struggling with math, Roots to Routes Academy summer programs are designed to help Grade 10 students like you with:
- Personalized learning (classes capped at 25 students).
- Structured daily study to build skills without overwhelm.
- Expert teachers who break down concepts clearly.
- Credit transfers, so your improvements speak for themselves.
Summer is your chance to reset and get ahead! Start with one habit this week, and remember: progress > perfection.
P.S. Do you need support to fill your gaps? Check out Roots to Routes’ summer classes and turn math stress into confidence!
