Many teenagers struggle with staying organized, balancing homework with other activities and responsibilities, planning ahead for projects and papers, and studying effectively for tests.

 For both teens and parents, problems in these areas can be very frustrating and can lead to a lot of family conflict. Teenagers can start to lose confidence in themselves, become defensive, or resort to a “just try to get by” sort of philosophy. Parents ask themselves - How much should I be involved in this? Should I take away privileges? Try to help? Get a tutor?

TOPS (Teen Organization, Planning, and Study Skills) is a group program that is designed to help high school students improve in these areas. These are skills that do not always develop naturally for many teens, and while some teens know how to get organized, they have a problem staying organized. TOPS combines a skills-teaching approach with hands-on activities and applied practice, problem-solving skills, and helpful parent strategies to address these issues.

Sessions typically address the following topics -

• Managing homework
• Keeping track of books, papers, and other materials
• Time management
• Planning ahead for projects and papers
• Study and Memory Strategies
• Note-taking
• Self-advocacy in the classroom (aka knowing when and how to ask for help)

TOPS sessions:

Students discuss and practice strategies they can incorporate into their daily lives. Homework is assigned after each session for further practice. Parent sessions address ways to help students use strategies in real life and reward good organizational behavior.

For more information or to register today, contact Melissa Scibor, Marketing & Group Coordinator at scibor@3cfs.com or 919.677.0101 ext. 520.