Time Management Strategies for Students
The start of the school year in the Crystal area is a hectic time for students and their parents. Students have classes to attend, homework to complete, and exams to study for, and in some cases, have to balance sports, extracurricular activities, and social outings. Trying to get everything done, and do it well, is stressful and exhausting. Fortunately, there are time management strategies that students can follow to increase productivity and decrease stress levels.
What are Time Management Strategies for students?
No matter what school that student attends, it is pretty much a guarantee that schedules are full, and time is precious. Following specific strategies to make the most of the time available is exceptionally useful.
Make a List of Priorities for Homework
Looking at assignments and due dates, as well as activity schedules, can be overwhelming. One of the first things to do is to make a list of everything that you have to do and an estimate of how long each item will take. This method helps prioritize time and cuts down on procrastination.
Create an After School Schedule and Stick To It!
One of the best time management strategies is to make a schedule. Utilize the computer, your phone, or a planner to create your plan. Schedule time to work on assignments, participate in activities, socialize, eat, and sleep. This takes a lot of the thinking process out of the equation.
Try to Minimize Homework Distractions
Distractions such as phones, activities, friends, and even pets, can make it challenging to sit down and focus on the task. Parents should set rules around study time to make sure their kids focus all their attention on what needs to be done. There should be no television, cell phone, or computer time unless it is to work on an assignment.
Avoid Waiting Until the Last Minute on Homework Assignments
Many students procrastinate and put off assignments, especially more challenging ones. Being skilled in time management means not waiting until the last minute to start an assignment. Begin studying for a test or writing a paper when it is first assigned to prevent unnecessary stressors, which can negatively affect a grade.
Set Realistic Goals and See Them Through
Goals are essential for increased focus. Some examples of goals include a certain number of pages read in a night, time spent studying for a test, or a defined number of questions to complete.
Focus on One Assignment at a Time
One mistake students make is to multitask, thinking that it will result in more things getting done. However, students are most effective when they focus their attention on one thing at a time. If a student completes one assignment before moving on to the next, less time will be spent in general.
Take Homework & Study Breaks
It may seem counterintuitive, but stepping away from schoolwork every once in a while can increase productivity. Taking a short break, such as 10 minutes for every 30 minutes of work, helps recharge the brain and maintain focus. A brief intermission may consist of stretching, having a snack, or even getting in some exercise, which helps boost brainpower.
Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is also vital when managing time. An exhausted student is not going to function or focus, as well. There should be a set bedtime, to get eight to ten hours of sleep every night.
Be Flexible
Not everything goes according to plan, and some tasks may take longer than expected. A good plan of action is to schedule a little extra time for each assignment and not get upset if the schedule detours due to factors out of their control.
Trust a School that Promotes Students’ Success
The staff at Beacon Academy understands the stress that students face and is well-versed in time management tips. If you are in the Crystal or Minneapolis area and want to learn more about what we have to offer, schedule a tour or contact us today!
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