Helping Children

Helping Children to choose Priorities

Choosing priorities, or deciding what to spend less time on or cut out of your budget completely, is one of the most important steps in managing your time. Sometimes we have to choose priorities over the long term, and sometimes we have to do it day to day.

From day to day
No matter how perfectly you have your time budget balanced, there will always be unexpected changes and new responsibilities to fit in. To help you choose priorities when you need to, keep these ideas in mind:

Remember the big things. There are big things in life, and there are little things, and you’ve got to do your best to tell them apart. Some things that may seem really important today, like getting to the hobby shop to buy a pack of collectible cards, might seem a lot less important in a few weeks or months. On the other hand, doing well on school assignments and completing your family responsibilities are always important. These are the “big things” that you should always consider first when making a time budget. Always reserve plenty of time for these priorities, and use “leftover” time for things that are less important.

Think about what’s urgent. You’ve set aside time after school to do some research on your history paper, but you also have a big concert coming up and need to practice your cello. Which takes priority that day? Well, which deadline is coming up first? If the concert is next week, but the report’s not due until the week after, there’s your answer. Knowing which task is more urgent is an easy way to choose priorities.

Think about the consequences of NOT spending time on it. Can’t decide whether something is worth your time? Ask yourself this: What would happen if you DIDN’T do it? For example, should you finish writing up a science project, or watch a movie on DVD? Let’s see:

• The consequences of NOT doing your science work: You get a failing grade on the project, your parents get upset, and you have to work harder to bring up your grade average.
• The consequences of NOT watching the DVD: You miss out on a good flick, but you can always see it when you have more time, like on the weekend or a night when you have less homework.

This makes it pretty clear which of these two things should be dropped from your time budget, right?

Over the long term
Sometimes you know when you’ll have to choose long-term priorities, like when you need to pick activities for the upcoming school year. Other times, you’re forced to do this suddenly because your schedule has become too packed or you have a new goal, like putting in extra basketball practice because you want to get better at shooting.
To help you make these tough choices on long-term priorities, ask yourself these questions:

• What do these things mean to my life?
  What means a lot to you now, and will continue to do so in the future? This is where you have to look into your heart and decide which is more important to you. Which one would you miss the least, and which would really hurt to give up?
• Is this a now-or-never situation?
  You have to choose between joining the newspaper and trying out for the school musical. The show this season is “The Sound Of Music” and you’ve always dreamed of playing Maria, but the newspaper will always be around next year. This is your one chance to be part of your favorite musical, but not your only chance to be on the newspaper. Well, there’s your answer!

Am I doing this for me, or for someone else?
You’ve always been into karate and your parents have been supportive, but now it seems like they’re more excited about it than you. You’d like to try something new, but you don’t want to let them down. This is where your own wishes should take priority (after an honest chat with your folks).

To Make the Most of Study Time

Your study space is critical to your ability to study effectively. After all, if you can’t concentrate, you certainly can’t expect to learn very well.
This does not necessarily mean that you have to find a place that's completely silent and set it up as your study area, but it does mean you should find someplace to study that fits your specific personality and learning style.
Your Study Space Needs

Students are different. Some do need a completely quiet room free from interruptions when they study, but others actually study better listening to quiet music in the background or taking several breaks.
Take the time to assess your real needs and plan for the perfect study place.
You will study most effectively if you make your study time special, like a ceremony.

Assign yourself a specific place and regular time. Some students even give a name to their study space.
It might sound crazy, but it works. By naming your study space, you generate more respect for your own space. It might just keep your little brother away from your things!

1. Evaluate your personality and preferences. Discover whether or not you are vulnerable to noise and other distractions. Also determine if you work better by sitting quietly for a long period of time or if you need to take short breaks once in awhile and then return to your work.
2. Identify the space and claim it. Your bedroom maybe the best place to study, but it may not be. Some students identify their bedrooms with rest and simply can't concentrate there.

A bedroom can also be problematical if you share a room with a sibling. If you happen to need a quiet place without interruption, it might be better for you to set up a place in the attic, basement, or garage, completely away from others.
If this is realistic (some and attics have no electricity, for instance) just ask your parents to help you set it up. Most parents would be glad to accommodate a student trying to improve study habits!

1. Make sure your study area is comfortable. It is very important to set up your computer and chair in a way that won't harm your hands, wrists, and neck.

Next, stock your study space with all the tools you’ll need, like pens, pencils, paper, dictionaries, a thesaurus, and math tools.

1. Establish study rules. Avoid unnecessary arguments and misunderstandings with your parents by establishing when and how you study.

If you know that you are able to study effectively by taking breaks, just say so. You may want to create a homework contract.

Communicate with your parents and explain that you are not just fooling around when you get up for a snack. Or, explain if you are certain that you can study with music on.
If you don’t have a conversation about this, there are likely to think you’re messing around when you are not.