Organization

Creating an organized workspace  

Take Control of Your Schedule!

Controlling your schedule and your distractions will help you to accomplish your goals. If you are in control of your calendar, you will be able to complete your assignments and stay on top of your coursework. The following are steps to getting control of your calendar:

1. On the same day each week, (perhaps Sunday nights or Saturday mornings) plan out your schedule for the week. Include homework, your weekend schedule, outside extracurriculars, sports practice, tutorials, etc. Use your time wisely. Remember 20 minutes in your day will allow you to review notes or even write an email to a teacher. Planning helps you avoid crises.

2. Go through each class and write down what you’d like to get completed for each class that week. Write the amount of time you expect it will take for each assignment.  Remember to look at google classroom and your google calendar for due dates, tests, and essays due. 

3. Write a list of tasks to accomplish during the week and check off the tasks as you complete them. Writing down tasks to accomplish helps you be accountable, helps with organization, and time management..

4. Determine whether your task list can be completed in the amount of time that you have available. Make adjustments to your schedule. Pencil into your calendar 2-3 days before an assignment is due, and ask the teacher for feedback.

5. Before going to bed each night, make your plan for the next day. Waking up with a plan will make you more productive.

The Importance of Self-Monitoring

Self-Monitoring is a strategy that teaches students to self-assess their behavior based on data in order to meet their goals. The student can track their own performance, assess what changes are needed, and change their behavior to meet their goal. Self-Monitoring is necessary for school success and beyond! Self- Monitoring also shows more independence, as this strategy relies on the student to keep track of their own actions and performance. Want to reach your goal? Try one of these self-monitoring strategies to learn what is working and what you may need to change to reach your goal. 

• Checklists-Is your goal to complete each step of a project/assignment, or you have multiple items you want to complete in a day?Use a checklist to ensure every step in a process is completed. Crossing off items on a ‘to-do’ list to ensure needed tasks are finished. Look at your results with and without a checklist. Do you need to make changes?

• Tracking Time-  Is your goal to use the time during the day/evening to complete all of your homework?  Using a timer, write down the exact time when you start homework and stop the timer when you are  interrupted/distracted. Write down each time you stop doing homework..For example, If you are texting,socializing with friends, answering the phone, or watching TV, stop the timer. Add up the time you are actually engaged in homework .Based on the amount of time you were actually engaged in completing homework, do you need to make changes?

• Using data in PowerSchool - Is your goal  to complete all assignments and turn them in on time? Count how many assignments are completed and turned in on time, and how many assignments are late, partially completed, or not turned in. Do you need to make changes? 

More examples of Self-Monitoring:

• You monitor your phone usage- Keep track of how often you are on your phone so it doesn’t interfere with your schoolwork. 

• You plan projects on a timeline so you minimize mistakes and don’t feel rushed to get the project finished.

• You track your bedtime so you are well-rested.

• You follow the rubric given by the teacher for your assignment.

• You set your alarm to wake up so you are on time. 

• You use “Sticky Notes” on your laptop as a reminder of what needs to be completed.

The benefits of self-monitoring?

• The student doesn’t need an adult to let them know they are on the right track. The student can provide themselves with immediate feedback and make needed changes. 

• Self- monitoring engages students in their learning and personal development and  puts the responsibility back on the learner. 

• Self-monitoring facilitates communication. Reviewing data is a powerful conversation starter that students and their parents can discuss together.

• Students look at their own performance and how it can improve over time.