Math skills

Many skills are learned best by "doing."

In academic studies, math may be the prime example.
The best way to learn mathematics is by doing.

Each night you should set aside some time to go over past
material and practise a few questions from each section.

Reviewing the rules and procedures is important; however, you
don't know the math unless you can start at the beginning of a
question and successfully work through the steps to a correct final answer.

One final thought: Don't be afraid of math !

Journal Writing

I often recommend that my students keep a journal, but keeping a journal is good advice for anyone.
Sitting down to write something everyday helps focus your thoughts.
It is a pleasant way to revisit the day's events and to make sense of them for ourselves.

Start off small and easy.
You don't need anything fancy to keep a journal.
A small notebook and a comfortable pen - along with your thoughts.
Don't be hard on yourself. Let the thoughts flow, and don't worry about grammar & spelling at first.

Of course, you can write a journal on a word processor. This method gives you the advantage of grammar check and spell check; however, it might not be the best method for correcting your spelling and grammar long term. (Even good writers tend to admit they get lazy using the technology - and sometimes the technology is incorrect!)
Using it as an aid, however, may be ideal to correct your own written version.

Just a few benefits of journal writing:

• develops logical thinking skills
  
• aids in basic writing skills by accessing the writing world each day
• over time, most people tend to try writing more clearly - playing with words, being more inventive
  
• refines your thoughts, hopes, and beliefs which helps develop better speaking skills as well
• can be therapeutic, a cathartic release of everyday tedium or occasionally more traumatic events
• of course, recording joyous events lets you relive them for a moment or two - nothing wrong with feeling grateful for the good things in life!
• over time, you might look back at past journals and enjoy seeing what your thoughts were and how they have changed

Most of all, have fun with your journal!

Just as with reading, the more fun you have doing it - the more you will want to do it!