Is it harder for you to estimate how long it will take to do a task or to manage your time appropriately while doing the task?
As mentioned in a previous post on executive function, time management for kids is the ability to estimate how much time a task will take and manage time appropriately. In school, this can look like completing work within a deadline, knowing how long to study for an upcoming quiz or test, and budgeting time for other daily tasks and breaks. Common struggles students face are procrastination or underestimating how long a task will take. Here are tips and tools to help improve and reinforce time management for kids.
Why time matters
Part of school education is learning how to manage time and finish assignments within a deadline. Younger grades typically have one assignment at a time, whereas older grades have assignments for each class and further out deadlines. The benefits of time management are reduced stress, improved academic performance, and increased confidence and independence. Teaching students the benefits is as important as the skill itself. Knowing the why encourages independence as they learn to manage their workload effectively.
Common challenges for students
When students struggle with time management at school, it can look like procrastination. It can feel like not knowing where to start, feeling overwhelmed by tasks, and getting distracted easily. This can lead to frustrations for both the student and the teacher. At home, it might cause friction between parents and children, with neither knowing the next steps.
Simple time management strategies
Here are 5 time management strategies to try. Parents can work on any of these at home. Teachers and tutors can weave them into lessons. Help students create a schedule, block time, and pace out work. Teach them to prioritize tasks by importance and deadline to manage their workload effectively. This is an ongoing practice of modeling and reinforcing executive function skills.
Use Visual Timers: Encourage students to see time passing to stay focused.
Create a Daily Schedule: Help students plan their day, balancing homework and downtime.
Break It Down: Teach them to divide tasks into smaller, actionable steps.
Prioritize Tasks: Use a simple system like “Must Do, Should Do, Could Do.”
Set Clear Deadlines: Encourage realistic time limits for each task.
Tools and resources for time management
Highlight helpful tools:
Digital apps like Google Calendar, Asana, or task/homework apps. https://tailorjoy.com/10-tips-for-using-google-tasks-and-google-calendar-as-a-student-agenda/
Physical tools like planners or sticky notes. https://tailorjoy.com/free-printable-agenda-page/
Tips for parents and tutors
Modeling and reinforcing time management skills at home and at school can boost a student’s success. Students will see the benefits of time management well beyond the school doors or the school years. Here are some tips for parents and tutors.
Be a Role Model: Show how you manage your time. Talk through an upcoming project and chunk it into doable steps. Point out the benefits of time management in your life.
Set Small Goals: Help students achieve success in manageable steps.
Praise Effort: Celebrate progress to keep them motivated. Make a point to notice their improvements, not just point out the weaknesses.
Conclusion
Time management is a skill that takes practice but leads to long-term success in school and beyond. Homework time will be calmer. Assignments will get done on time. Future employers will be thankful. The benefits of time management for kids are reduced stress, improved academic performance, and increased confidence and independence. Try some of these practical activities today.
Table Talk:
What’s your best tip for teaching kids time management? Is it harder for you to estimate how long it will take to do a task or to manage your time appropriately while doing the task?
Want more time management tips for adults? https://tailorjoy.com/6-time-management-tips/