High
school can be an intricate maze of assignments, responsibilities, and deadlines
and navigating it can often be very challenging. We all know the feeling of
having a “to do” list a mile long and not even knowing where to begin. Learning
how to tackle one’s schedule in an organized and efficient way can seem
daunting, but if equipped with strategies one can successfully conquer the
calendar chaos. Throughout adolescence, some of the most important skills
teenagers can learn are time management and organizational skills. Here are 5
easy steps suggested by Michelle Szabo, Instruction Program Manager at the
Stern Center, to help your teenager avoid feeling overwhelmed and instead feel
in control and confident.
1. BE PROACTIVE:
It is important to identify a problem
early, before the situation has a chance to spiral out of control. Don’t wait
until progress reports come out before identifying a break down in organization
that may be hindering your teen from excelling academically. If you peek in
your teen’s backpack and find crumpled up papers of unfinished homework
assignments and quizzes with less than favorable results don’t be discouraged.
It is never too late to start creating effective organizational habits. Executive
function lies on a spectrum and everyone has the ability to learn these skills
if given the proper plan.
2. MAKE A PERSONALIZED PLAN:
Once you and your teen have agreed that
there is a need for a more organized routine, the first step is to create a
plan of execution. It is important to discuss what challenges your teen faces,
what they struggle with the most, and what your collective goals are. Lay out
the objectives and discuss how your teen learns best. Every person is
different; discover which strategies are best for your student. Would keeping a
binder help or would a daily calendar/planner be more beneficial? Ask questions
and brainstorm together to find out which customized plan is the best to start
with.
3. ESTABLISH A SYSTEM:
Once a plan has been formulated, the
next step is to develop a system of actions that will help your teen remain
organized on a day to day basis. Some individuals may need more supervision
than others. Does your teen struggle with clutter and needs to simply make sure
he or she hole-punches each paper and puts it in a folder to ensure it doesn’t
end up at the bottom of a bag? Or do you need to have a more hands on approach
with your child where he or she needs to check in with someone at the end of
the school day to make sure everything is accounted for? Develop clear and concise
tactics to make sure each goal identified in the plan is being met.
4. MANAGE THE PROCESS:
Help your teen choose a resource most
conducive to their learning style that allows them to facilitate their own
learning as well as track their progress. Options include posting sticky notes
in places that act as helpful reminders, creating daily “to do” lists, creating
notes on their phones, or having a planner where they can write in each
homework assignment. Just remember that these resources are not set in stone.
If you and your teen find that one management tactic is not for them then you
can always try another. This process is all about trial and error.
5. MONITOR PROGRESS:
Be diligent about making sure you and
your student are tracking his or her progress. It is important to regularly
evaluate which strategies are working the best and which ones may not be worth
your student’s time. If you and your teen are willing to experiment and change
strategies when it is necessary you will be able to work together to create a
system that is most effective and that gets you closer to achieving your collective
goals.
Written by Stern Center Staff: Michelle Szabo and Allison Provost
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