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First Things First: Prioritization Secrets

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Lesson Plan

Prioritization Secrets

Students will be able to categorize a list of personal and academic tasks using a prioritization matrix to determine the most effective order of completion.

This lesson is important because it equips students with a critical life skill to manage their time effectively, reduce stress, and achieve their goals by focusing on what truly matters.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Students will engage in discussions, learn about the Eisenhower Matrix, sort tasks, and apply the matrix to personal tasks.

Materials

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

10 minutes

  1. Begin with the Warm-Up Discussion Questions displayed on the screen.
    2. Ask students: 'What does it mean to be busy? Is being busy always productive?' (2 minutes)
    3. Prompt for responses and encourage a brief class discussion about the difference between being busy and being effective. (3 minutes)
    4. Transition by stating that today's lesson will help them not just be busy, but be truly effective. (5 minutes)

Step 2

Introduce Prioritization Matrix

10 minutes

  1. Use the Slide Deck to introduce the concept of 'Urgent vs. Important.' (2 minutes)
    2. Explain the four quadrants of the Eisenhower Matrix: Urgent/Important, Not Urgent/Important, Urgent/Not Important, Not Urgent/Not Important. (5 minutes)
    3. Provide real-world examples for each quadrant and ask students for their own examples. (3 minutes)

Step 3

Interactive Task-Sorting Activity

10 minutes

  1. Distribute the Task Quadrant Sorting Activity to small groups or individual students. (2 minutes)
    2. Instruct students to cut out the provided tasks and sort them into the four quadrants of the Eisenhower Matrix. (5 minutes)
    3. Circulate to provide support and facilitate discussion within groups. (3 minutes)

Step 4

Video & Discussion

10 minutes

  1. Show the short educational video on prioritization as outlined in the Video & Discussion Guide. (3 minutes)
    2. Facilitate a class discussion using the prompts from the Video & Discussion Guide, connecting the video content to the Eisenhower Matrix and students' personal experiences. (7 minutes)

Step 5

Individual Application & Cool-Down

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the My Priority Matrix Worksheet. (1 minute)
    2. Instruct students to quickly list 3-5 of their own tasks (academic or personal) and place them into the appropriate quadrants. (2 minutes)
    3. Conclude the lesson with the Exit Ticket, asking students to reflect on one key takeaway about prioritization. (2 minutes)
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Slide Deck

First Things First: Prioritization Secrets

How do you decide what to do next? 🤔

Today, we'll unlock the secret to smart task management!

Welcome students and introduce the lesson's main topic. Ask a provocative question to get them thinking.

Are You Busy or Productive?

What does it mean to be 'busy'?

Is being busy always productive?

Think about a time you felt overwhelmed by tasks.

Lead a brief discussion using the Warm-Up Discussion Questions. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts on being busy versus being productive.

Urgent vs. Important

  • Urgent: Demands immediate attention. Consequences for not doing it now.

    • Example: A ringing phone, an alarm going off.

  • Important: Has long-term impact and contributes to your goals.

    • Example: Studying for a big test, planning for college.

Can something be both? Or neither?

Introduce the core concept of distinguishing between urgent and important tasks.

The Eisenhower Matrix

A powerful tool to help you prioritize your tasks, inspired by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

It breaks tasks into four types based on two criteria:

  1. Urgency
  2. Importance

Present the Eisenhower Matrix as a tool for prioritization.

Quadrant 1: Urgent & Important

DO FIRST!

These are crises, deadlines, and problems that need your immediate attention.

Examples: A project due tomorrow, a sick pet, a sudden emergency.

Explain the 'Do First' quadrant with examples. Emphasize immediate action.

Quadrant 2: Not Urgent & Important

SCHEDULE!

These are important goals, planning, and relationship building. They prevent crises!

Examples: Studying for an upcoming exam, exercising, spending quality time with family, working on a long-term project.

Explain the 'Schedule' quadrant. Highlight the importance of planning for these tasks.

Quadrant 3: Urgent & Not Important

DELEGATE (or Ditch)!

These are interruptions, some meetings, and popular activities that seem urgent but don't contribute to your goals.

Examples: Unnecessary emails, some phone calls, helping a friend with a task that isn't your responsibility.

Explain the 'Delegate' quadrant. Discuss why these tasks can often be a distraction.

Quadrant 4: Not Urgent & Not Important

ELIMINATE!

These are distractions, time-wasters, and trivial activities.

Examples: Mindless scrolling on social media, excessive TV, busywork.

Explain the 'Eliminate' quadrant. Stress the idea of avoiding these tasks completely.

The Power of Prioritization

By understanding the Eisenhower Matrix, you can:

  • Focus on what truly matters.
  • Reduce stress and overwhelm.
  • Achieve your goals more effectively.

Now, let's put it into practice!

Reinforce the main takeaway and prepare for the next activity.

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Warm Up

Warm-Up Discussion: What Does It Mean to Be Busy?

Take a moment to think about your day-to-day life. You probably have a lot going on!

  1. What does it mean to be busy? Describe a time when you felt very busy.











  2. Is being busy always a good thing? Can you be busy but not productive? Explain your thoughts.











  3. Imagine you have a big project due, a friend needs help, and your favorite show just dropped new episodes. How do you decide what to do first?











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Worksheet

My Priority Matrix: What Will YOU Do?

Now that you understand the Eisenhower Matrix, it's your turn to apply it to your own life! Think about your current school assignments, personal responsibilities, and even fun activities. List 3-5 tasks you have to do or want to do, and then place them into the correct quadrant below.

Quadrant 1: Urgent & Important (Do First!)

  • These tasks need your immediate attention and are critical for your goals.







Quadrant 2: Not Urgent & Important (Schedule!)

  • These tasks are important for your goals but don't require immediate action. Plan time for them!







Quadrant 3: Urgent & Not Important (Delegate or Ditch!)

  • These tasks demand attention but don't contribute significantly to your goals. Can someone else do it? Or can you just say no?







Quadrant 4: Not Urgent & Not Important (Eliminate!)

  • These are distractions and time-wasters. Try to cut them out!







After filling out your matrix, choose one task from Quadrant 2. What is the first step you will take to schedule and complete this important, non-urgent task?







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Activity

Task Quadrant Sorting Activity

Instructions:

  1. Working with your group (or individually), cut out each task card below.
  2. Discuss where each task belongs within the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent & Important, Not Urgent & Important, Urgent & Not Important, Not Urgent & Not Important).
  3. Physically sort the task cards into four distinct piles, representing the four quadrants.
  4. Be prepared to explain your reasoning for placing each task!

Task Cards (Cut these out!)

Task 1: Your phone rings during homework.Task 2: Study for a big math test next month.
Task 3: A pop quiz is announced for the end of class today.Task 4: Reply to a non-urgent email from a club.
Task 5: Plan your career goals for the next 5 years.Task 6: Binge-watch a new TV series.
Task 7: Finish a group project due tomorrow morning.Task 8: Organize your backpack and locker.
Task 9: A friend asks you to play a video game right now.Task 10: Research colleges for next year.
Task 11: Help a classmate with a simple question during independent work time.Task 12: Practice your instrument for a concert in three months.
Task 13: Scroll endlessly through social media.Task 14: Go to the dentist for a routine check-up.
Task 15: An unexpected family emergency.Task 16: Return a library book that is due today.

Quadrant Sorting Mat (Optional: Draw or label on a separate paper)

Urgent & Important (DO FIRST!)









Not Urgent & Important (SCHEDULE!)









Urgent & Not Important (DELEGATE or DITCH!)









Not Urgent & Not Important (ELIMINATE!)









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Discussion

Video & Discussion Guide: Prioritization in Action

Video:
(Teacher Note: Find a short (3-5 minute) age-appropriate educational video on time management, productivity, or the Eisenhower Matrix. A good search term would be "Eisenhower Matrix explained for students" or "Urgent vs. Important.")

Instructions: Watch the video carefully, then we will discuss the following questions as a class.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was the main message or biggest takeaway from the video?





  2. How did the video connect with or add to what we learned about the Eisenhower Matrix? Did it make anything clearer?





  3. Can you think of a specific example from your own life where applying the ideas from the video or the Eisenhower Matrix could have helped you manage a situation better?





  4. Based on the video and our lesson, what is one habit you might try to change or develop to improve your prioritization skills?





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Cool Down

Exit Ticket: Your Prioritization Power-Up

Before you go, take a moment to reflect on what you've learned today about prioritization.

What is one key idea or strategy about prioritizing tasks that you learned today and plan to try out in your own life?













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