The semester is in full swing. With things like homework, mid-semester tests, cello practice, and the big playoff game, your student might start to feel like there is too much on their plate. Luckily, you can be there to support them. So what’s the best way to do so? It all starts with proper time management.
Time management helps us achieve goals, prioritize work, reduce stress, and boosts our confidence. If you or your child are finding it challenging to manage time with this semester’s commitments, here are three steps to help your child increase productivity (that can be helpful for busy parents too!)💪
1. Write Down The Priorities
Writing things down helps clear the mind and encourages daily progress. Helping your students narrow in on what they need to get done and establish priorities can be one of the biggest things you can offer. This will help them visualize and arrange tasks based on their importance. For instance, I often use the A-B-C method to prioritize tasks (A – for what must be completed today, B – it would be nice to finish today, and C – can be pushed to tomorrow if needed). PS: This is also a great tool for parents to use and manage work priorities or errands to accomplish.
Creating a to-do list makes it easier to keep track of what we need to do, the progress we’ve made, and make sure nothing gets forgotten. Sometimes we can get overwhelmed with projects and tasks, so try breaking them into smaller tasks. For example, instead of expecting your child to read a 25-page chapter in one day, they can read five pages per day, and they’ll be done in five days. The thought of having to read five pages per day in a week is less intimidating and more effective than rushing to read all 25 in one sitting.
2. Work Smarter
Next, keep in mind that tasks might take slightly longer than expected; the most important thing is to make progress. To avoid procrastination, which both parents and students face from time to time, try identifying realistic time frames together for each to-do. Remember that encouraging your child to ask for assistance when they need it can be a complete game-changer. When we work together, we can achieve greater results!
3. Embrace Small Victories
Completing a to-do list is not always easy-peasy, and some days students might find it more challenging than others. So let’s start rewarding their effort in ways that can help their producutivity. For example, I have discovered that exercising between tasks helps boost my creativity and focus, so I frequently do it to celebrate my small achievements. Motivate your student by including something they enjoy in their routine; by celebrating their big and small daily victories you’ll help them stay motivated.
Better time management skills are vital to living a balanced life. They are not taught in class as a subject but finding new ways that work for your student to manage their time and make the most of every day will set them (and the whole family) up for success. At Schola.com, you can find tools and resources to support your student in and out of the classroom. Remember, time management and organizational skills are not only helpful in school; these skills are sought after in the workplace and can be very beneficial to apply in our household.
