It's summer time, but the learning doesn't stop! I am going to help you balance work and summer fun with some effective time management tips.
This summer, I signed up to take three classes, a two-week May Mini course on curriculum, a month course in June on special education, and another month course in July on Reading and Literacy.
Yes, I took a class in two weeks. Six lesson plans and one amazing group later, I finished my first summer class in May. During this class, I learned how important it is to have a dedicated group that can work effectively with one another. With multiple long day visits to Starbucks, we finished our lesson plans within the first week. I also learned how to be detailed in my lesson planning, and how to provide enough information so that a substitute could pick up the lesson up and teach my class.
I am currently taking a class on special education. I've had to read five chapters a week, complete an online discussion where we watch a video, or read an article an respond to it, and take a quiz over the assigned chapters.
This is a lot to do within a week, and I know some of you may be dealing with a similar busy schedule this summer. This is why I decided to tell you about three time management tips that I use to get everything done. These tips will allow you to finish all your work, so you will still have time to relax and do some fun things this summer.
Tip #1: Make a To-do list
Make a To-Do list for each week, including everything you need to get done for that week. Stuff that requires more attention, or needs to be done sooner, goes earlier in the week (Monday, Tuesday). Stuff that is not as urgent, or has to come after you do the previous tasks, like tests or papers, goes toward the end of the week.
This lets you plan out everything you need to do that week, and allows you to make time for each task. Each day, refer to your to-do list and make sure you do everything scheduled for that day. Below is a template I made for your weekly to-do lists. Feel free to download it and use it yourself!
This summer, I signed up to take three classes, a two-week May Mini course on curriculum, a month course in June on special education, and another month course in July on Reading and Literacy.
Yes, I took a class in two weeks. Six lesson plans and one amazing group later, I finished my first summer class in May. During this class, I learned how important it is to have a dedicated group that can work effectively with one another. With multiple long day visits to Starbucks, we finished our lesson plans within the first week. I also learned how to be detailed in my lesson planning, and how to provide enough information so that a substitute could pick up the lesson up and teach my class.
I am currently taking a class on special education. I've had to read five chapters a week, complete an online discussion where we watch a video, or read an article an respond to it, and take a quiz over the assigned chapters.
This is a lot to do within a week, and I know some of you may be dealing with a similar busy schedule this summer. This is why I decided to tell you about three time management tips that I use to get everything done. These tips will allow you to finish all your work, so you will still have time to relax and do some fun things this summer.
Tip #1: Make a To-do list
Make a To-Do list for each week, including everything you need to get done for that week. Stuff that requires more attention, or needs to be done sooner, goes earlier in the week (Monday, Tuesday). Stuff that is not as urgent, or has to come after you do the previous tasks, like tests or papers, goes toward the end of the week.
This lets you plan out everything you need to do that week, and allows you to make time for each task. Each day, refer to your to-do list and make sure you do everything scheduled for that day. Below is a template I made for your weekly to-do lists. Feel free to download it and use it yourself!
Weekly To-do list.docx |
But, how will you be able you get all your tasks done in time?
Tip #2: The 50/10 Rule
The 50/10 rule is where you study for 50 minutes straight, and then take a 10 minute break. Set a timer for 50 minutes, and do the tasks you need to get done. When the timer goes off, set the timer for 10 minutes. During the break time, check your phone and emails, get up and walk around, get something to drink, anything! It is important to set the alarm for 10 minutes during your break, or your break could turn into procrastination for a longer period of time.
These little breaks are important in order for you to do your best work. The 50/10 rule minimizes procrastination, and allows you to get more work done! But, how do you know where to start with all this work you have to do?
Tip #3: Do your biggest, most important task first!
Remember the to-do list I mentioned? Each day, when you look at this list, determine the task that is the most important ... do this task first! This eliminates any procrastination from finishing this task. Then, the rest of the day, you can feel satisfied that you accomplished your biggest task.
For example, today I need to work on a writing a paper for class, update my Pinterest and Facebook pages for this blog, and write my next blog. Therefore, I need to finish my paper, before I start on my other tasks.
Bonus Tip: Stay Motivated!
Keep in mind that if you finish these tasks, you will have time to relax, and have some fun this summer! However, do not overwhelm yourself with too much! Give yourself enough time to finish each task, and only schedule what you are able to do each day. (e.g. Don't put nine different tasks on your to-do list for one day; It should be more like 3-5.)
Keep in mind your goals...remember why you're doing these tasks! Whether your goal is to get straight A's in your classes, or complete something work related, your completing these tasks for a reason.
I hope that you found some of these tips to be useful. I hope that they help you to get your work done, so that you are able to have more fun in the sun!
Leave a comment below with some of the tips you use to manage your time, and/or if you found these tips useful!
Inspirationally,
Ally
Inspirationally,
Ally