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Suggestions for Managing your Time

     Welcome back, Commack!  Hope you all had a great summer.  To start off the school year we thought that it would be appropriate to discuss the topic of “time management.”  During the school year we often feel as if there is always too much to do and there is just not enough time to get it all done.  Our schedules are filled with homework, sports, lessons, family time, religion, rehearsals, dance and hanging out with friends.  So how do you make time for it all? 
     Some students know how to manage their time, while others may need some help.  Here are a few suggestions for effectively managing your time. 

1. BE ORGANIZED

•  Use time-saving tools: calendars, “to do” lists, folders, binders, your agenda planner, etc., to keep track of all the things you must do.

• Have an organized work place. If you are organized you will not waste time looking for your work.

•   Use “to do” lists for both long-term and daily or weekly activities. 

2. PLAN AHEAD
   • Determine how long your tasks will take (e.g., 30 minutes for math, 45 minutes studying for science, 1hr. for dance class etc.).
   • Formulate a schedule (e.g., if you know that you have a math test on Friday and you have a football game Thursday you may have to schedule studying for the test on Wednesday).
3. PRIORITIZE YOUR TASKS
   • Use and A-B-C rating system for items on your “to do” lists with A being the highest priority.
   • Set goals for both the short-term and long-term.
4. AVOID OVERLOAD
   • Include time for rest, relaxation, eating, exercise, and socializing in your schedule.
   • Take short breaks during study and work periods (e.g., after thirty minutes of studying, take a five minute break).
   • Don’t put everything off until the last minute.
5. PRACTICE EFFECTIVE STUDY TECHNIQUES
   • If you receive a course outline, note all due dates and assignments on your calendar.
   • Have an appropriate study environment. Television, video games, pets, computer, the phone, etc., are all distractions that need to be controlled.
   • Be prepared to ask questions as they come up during study, rather than waiting until just before the exam.
   • Get lots of sleep -- at least 8 hours every school night.
   • When other students ask questions, pay attention! The answers may help you.

6. HAVE A VISION
   • Have and follow a personal goal for each activity or task (e.g., certain grade in a class or generally in life).
   • Have a positive attitude.

If you are having troubling fitting everything into your schedule, it is important to ask for help.  You can talk to your teachers, your guidance counselor, siblings, friends or your parents. 

This article was written by Jessica Salvesen, a Social Worker at Commack Middle School.   

References:
Nelson, Annette (2000). “Manage Your Work, Don’t let it Manage You: Tips for Managing your  Time and Getting Ahead”
“Middle School Guidance Tips for Students and Parents” (2003) Available: [Online].               http://www.newlondon.k12.wi.us/ms/msguidance.htm

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Commack High School Guidance Office: (631) 912-2121
Commack Middle School Counseling Center: (631) 858-3535