Editor's Note: Please join me in congratulating Monae929 on becoming the next Whyville Columnist. In honor of the new school year starting, she will be offering tips to help you get that 'A' you've been craving.
It's only the first week of school and so far, I already have a ton of homework, a quiz on Thursday, a book report due next week, another book report due the end of the month, a project due Tuesday, and tennis practice on Saturday. Yeah, you could say I'm pretty busy. I'm sure that I'm not the only one with a busy schedule, either. So much to do and so little time. I can get through it, and you can too. All you need is a bit of something called Time Management.
First off, you'll want to get yourself a planner. They sell these at any Dollar Store. On the days when you have something due, just write it down on the date. This way you won't forget anything and end up receiving a bad grade! Inside of your planner, you'll also want to make yourself a study plan.
For example:
2:45 - 3:45 Soccer Practice
4:00 - 5:00 Make Science Poster
5:30 - 6:00 Study for history quiz and review math notes.
This way you'll stay organized and you'll be able to get everything done.
Now down to the work. It'll be much easier if you do all of your assignments that require a lot of work first. Let's say that you have a schedule like mine. First off, get the book that you need for your book report and read it whenever you can. When it's time for the book report, you'll have to know more than the first page! Then, work your way to the easier things that only take about three minutes to do. Like "read the first two paragraphs of chapter two". Same thing with your homework. Try doing your math homework first, then do your English homework.
Make sure while you're "in the zone" doing your work, you won't get interrupted by anything that could easily distract you. Say your best friend Beth calls you while you're doing your Math homework. Unless it's really important, it would be best to tell her that you'll call her back later. Every and anything that can keep you from doing your work, must be avoided. This is where a lot of responsibility and prioritizing comes in.
In some classes, there is usually a bit of time left over before the bell rings. Take advantage of this and get started on any homework, or extra assignments that you might have. Also use your study hall time. This way, you'll have a lot less work to do, when you actually finish it later on.
Don't procrastinate! This is one of the main reasons why people can't get their work done. They put things off until the last minute, and when it's finally time to present your project or turn in your solar system mobile, you won't have anything to give. You'll just have a big goose egg in the gradebook. Besides, life is too short to be wasting it anyway. Don't spend too much time on things you don't have to do, or don't want to do. Instead, you could be working on whatever assignment you have that needs to get done.
So just take your time and plan your time realistically, and no time you'll be a Time Management Whiz! :-)
Monae929
