Time management is the ability to use and keep track of time efficiently. It is a life skill and something that helps in success throughout life. Even though it is important for school and life-success, it is not usually taught well in school. Time management consists of keeping track of time, or scheduling, and using time effectively.
Back to School Preparation
The ideal time to get organized for school is when it is time for back to school. If school is already in progress, and paper and time management has been allowed to get out of hand, it becomes much more difficult to get organized for school. Either way, the following are good rules and tools to use to be organized for success in school.
Here are methods to organize time effectively:
Organizing Schedules for School
Organizing time for school is important for both students and parents: Students have assignments, extra curricular activities, and events outside of school to keep track of. Parents not only have to keep track of their own schedules, but also need to keep track of their child's schedule.
Finding information and scheduled events is vital. Here are some things to follow:
- Using a planner is something that should be taught as soon as possible. Being able to visualize and keep track of life events is an important life skill. Student planners should be a week-at-a-glance type, because it allows the child to seek a week's worth of events, while giving the space to break tasks down further.
- On a weekly basis, the parent should check the planner to see if it is being used and to see what has been checked off.
- A family calendar should be placed where everyone in the family can view it and use it. This keeps everyone informed, including the father, who sometimes does not have family event information. The kitchen or other family gathering place is an ideal place to hang a monthly calendar.
- Have a weekly family meeting to plan what is happening ahead of time and to break down the upcoming week. This is a great time to go over the child's weekly schedule, talk about life events and world events, and to discuss chores. This is a great time not only for scheduling, but also for communication.
Time Management for Students
To use time effectively, students need to prioritize and break down projects into smaller tasks. Prior to a project being undertaken, time needs to be set aside for prioritizing and planning the project. For additional explanation read Tips for Time Management and view videos on Time Management.
Effectively scheduling and managing time will save time, result in better organization and less stress, while cultivating a life skill that will drive towards success. Learn how to determine a student's organizing style in the article Back to School Organizing.
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