If you don't like school, the first step is finding out why. You might not like school because a bully is bothering you, or because a kid you don't like wants to hang around with you. Or maybe you don't get along with your teacher. You might feel different or    1    that you don't have enough friends.

Sometimes it's a problem with your classes and schoolwork. Maybe the work is too easy and you get    2    . Or maybe the work is too hard, or you don't feel as    3    as the other kids. Reading may be difficult for you, but you are    4    to do a lot of it. You may be getting farther and farther behind, and it may seem like you'll never catch up.

When you know why you don't like school, you can start to take    5    to make things better.

It's a good idea to talk to someone about your problems with school. Your mom, dad, relative, teacher, or school counselor will be able to help you. It's especially important to tell an adult if the problem is that you're being     6    or someone hurts you physically.

Another good idea is to write down your feelings about school in a journal. You can use a journal or diary or just write in an ordinary notebook. It's a great way to let out    7    that may be stuck inside you. And you don't have to    8    what you've written with others.

If you feel    9    or like you can't keep up with your schoolwork, your teachers and school counselors want to help. Teachers want and expect you to ask for help with learning stuff. If all of your subjects seem really hard, a school counselor can help you sort things out. Special help is    10    if you need it. Try not to let the problems go on too long. It's easier to catch up on one chapter than the whole book!