Time Management: How to stay organized and use your time wisely

As you get older, you will have more responsibilities at home, more homework, and you might also be involved in more activities in and out of school. All of these things take time and organization. Here are some ways to stay organized and use your time wisely.

Use a student planner or day timer.

• Many schools provide these to students. If you don't have one from your school, you can get them at most bookstores and other stores where calendars, stationery and journals are sold.
• When you get your day timer, look through it to see how it is organized: by the day, the week or the month.
• Carry your day timer with you to and from school.
• Write in all your activities, such as piano lessons, Tae- Kwon Do class and swimming lessons.
• Write in homework assignments when your teacher gives them. Write down what you have to do, what you need in order to do it and when it has to be done.
• Write in special family outings, birthdays, activities with your friends, and holidays.
• Write in your chores and responsibilities at home.

Break big jobs into smaller parts.

• If you have a big school project or homework in more than one subject, divide up the work. Set small goals for what you need to do to finish the work. Keep in mind the other jobs and activities you have for that day or week.
• Do the most important things first, even if they are not the most fun.
• Follow the steps in your plan and stick to your timelines.
• Reward yourself when you finish something on time.

Find time for fun and relaxing.

• Don't spend all your time working, or all your time having fun. Balance your activities so that you have time for everything.

Ask your parents for help.

• When you have a big job or a time conflict, such as two birthday parties on the same weekend you have to finish your science project, ask your parents for help in organizing your time.

Source: Health and Life Skills Guide to Implementation (K-9) ©2002, Alberta Learning