By the time students reach middle school and high school, they often have a variety of activities they are involved in. There are clubs and organizations in school, as well as extracurriculars such as sports, dance, music, or the arts. Some students hold down jobs or spend time volunteering. These may all be activities that they enjoy and that enhance their personal growth, but it is important not to let academics get pushed to the back burner.
Having a busy schedule means learning effective time management. Students must understand how to balance their obligations and ensure they are not letting projects or studying fall through the cracks. Rather than cramming the night before, here are a few ways to help students incorporate studying into their schedule.
- Block out study sessions.
As you are planning out your week, schedule specific blocks of time for studying, the same as you would for soccer practice or dance class. Rather than making it an “if I have time” task, devote 30 minutes between activities or after dinner to focusing on preparing for a test or reviewing the day’s lessons. Set times based on availability and workload.
- Plan accordingly.
If you know that you have an upcoming game, competition, or event that will take up a majority of your evening or weekend, schedule study time around that. Coordinate your plans to allow for more time to study earlier in the week. This is especially true if you know you’ll be too tired (or excited) to focus after the event, so blocking out study time then wouldn’t be effective. Adjust your schedule accordingly to make the best use of your time.
- Prioritize tasks.
Start the week off by writing down what you want or need to accomplish each day. Consider upcoming projects, research, assignments, and tests. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks divided up over a few days if possible. This can help you better organize your day and plan out your time to make sure you get everything completed.
- Study on the go.
Making flashcards is a great way to review information no matter where you are. You can divide them up by topic or class and pull them out whenever you have a few minutes of downtime. Put them on a keyring to make flipping and storing them easier. Use different colored index cards or pens to separate out information. Bring your notebook or textbook with you if you know you’ll be waiting before an appointment or practice. Watch a video on your phone or access online resources about whatever you’re studying. You can also explain concepts to a family member or friend to test your understanding, or have them quiz you from your notes.
- Engage in virtual tutoring.
One of the benefits of virtual tutoring is that it can be done anywhere as long as you have a computer and Internet access. You can keep up with your weekly sessions and get the help and support you need, even when you’re not at home. Making tutoring part of your schedule can also help you stay on track by treating it like any other appointment or commitment. It is something that you plan for as part of your day.
Crafting Scholars works with students not only on course content, but also topics such as study skills, time management, and executive functioning. We set students up for greater success by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, resources, and support they need to thrive. Contact us today to learn more and reserve your spot!