Students at the middle school level lose track of time easily. Put time into perspective by having students keep a record of how they use their time for one week. For this project, students will detail every activity including how they used study halls and free time at home. This activity will help students visualize where their time goes and how every hour counts. Have students identify areas where time can be better utilized and create a week-long plan for better using their time.
Some students act as if they need to play video games for a couple hours each night in order to survive. Differentiating between wants and needs is sometimes a difficult task for students. Have students work in groups to create a list of what students need to do and what students want to do. Some needs will include completing homework, finishing chores and going to sports practice. Wants might include playing video games and spending time with friends. When groups share their lists with the class, students will see how similar their perspectives are. Discuss the difference between what students need to do and what students want to do stressing the importance of prioritizing. As a follow-up activity, have students make a list of their own needs and wants, placing them in order of importance.
Agendas, also known as planners, help students keep track of assignments and projects for each class. Writing down assignments will help students remember due dates and will make late assignments less frequent. Printed or electronic agendas are available; however, having students create their own personal agenda gives them a sense of purpose and utility. Have students create their own agenda using a word-processing program. Include all courses, after school activities, and daily chores in a daily, weekly or monthly format meeting the needs of the student. Students can personalize their agendas with pictures and quotes; in addition, students will be able to print copies when needed.
Small tips can make a big difference to a student that has difficulty managing their time. For example, completing large projects in steps will help make the assignment less overwhelming when it comes due. Have students share how they manage their time with the class. Use the ideas shared to help the class create a list of time-management tips for students. Write each tip on a small slip of paper and place into a jar. Students draw a slip from the jar and conduct a one-week experiment using the time management tip they drew. At the end of one week, students report back to the class on how well the tip helped in managing their time. To extend the activity throughout the year, have students draw a new time management tip each week. If a student learns a new time management tip during the year, the new tip is added to the jar.