Lesson Plan
Got It Together? Lesson Plan
Students will learn to manage their time, organize their workspace, and prioritize tasks through guided activities, culminating in a personal action plan to boost productivity and reduce stress.
Strong organizational skills enable students to meet deadlines, maintain focus, and lower academic stress, fostering better performance and well-being.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on practice, discussion, and reflection.
Materials
Time Management Matrix Template, Organizational Skills Checklist, Workspace Organization Photo Examples, Task Prioritization Checklist, Whiteboard and markers, and Projector and computer
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review Time Management Matrix Template and Organizational Skills Checklist
- Print one copy of each worksheet per student
- Queue up Workspace Organization Photo Examples for display
- Note standards alignment: ISTE Self-Directed Learning; SEL Self-Management; CCSS SL.9-10.1
Step 1
Introduction & Bell Ringer
5 minutes
- Prompt students to write down how they planned yesterday’s homework and what challenges they faced
- Briefly define organizational skills and today’s objectives
- Record student responses on the whiteboard
Step 2
Time Management Matrix
10 minutes
- Display the four-quadrant matrix on the projector
- Distribute Time Management Matrix Template
- In pairs, have students categorize 6 sample tasks into Urgent/Important quadrants
- Discuss how focusing on Important/Not Urgent prevents crises
Step 3
Workspace Organization
5 minutes
- Show Workspace Organization Photo Examples
- Ask students to identify elements that help or hinder productivity
- List best practices (e.g., clear surface, proper lighting) on the whiteboard
Step 4
Task Prioritization
5 minutes
- Introduce the Task Prioritization Checklist
- Individually, students rank 5 provided tasks by deadline and impact
- Share top two priorities with a partner and justify choices
Step 5
Reflection & Action Plan
5 minutes
- Students complete the Organizational Skills Checklist for self-assessment
- Write two specific strategies they will implement this week
- Invite volunteers to share one strategy with the class
Slide Deck
Got It Together?
Organizational Skills for Academic Success
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that we’ll cover key organizational skills to help with school success.
Today's Objectives
- Manage your time effectively
- Organize your workspace for productivity
- Prioritize tasks based on deadline and impact
- Create a personal action plan
Briefly read through objectives. Emphasize what students will be able to do by end of class.
Why Organizational Skills Matter
- Meet deadlines and reduce last-minute stress
- Maintain focus and improve study habits
- Balance multiple responsibilities
- Enhance overall well-being
Discuss why these skills matter. Invite one or two examples from students.
Bell Ringer: Planning Reflection
Write down:
- How did you plan yesterday’s homework?
- What challenges did you face?
Have students write for 2 minutes on the prompt. Then ask for volunteers to share.
Time Management Matrix
Quadrant I: Urgent & Important
Quadrant II: Not Urgent & Important
Quadrant III: Urgent & Not Important
Quadrant IV: Not Urgent & Not Important
Focus on Quadrant II to prevent crises.
Display the matrix on the projector. Explain each quadrant briefly.
Activity: Categorize Tasks
- Use Time Management Matrix Template
- Work in pairs to sort 6 sample tasks into the four quadrants
- Discuss why some tasks are higher priority
Distribute Time Management Matrix Template. Have students work in pairs to categorize 6 sample tasks. Circulate to support discussion.
Workspace Organization
Study the Workspace Organization Photo Examples.
Best Practices:
- Keep a clear surface
- Ensure proper lighting
- Group similar supplies together
- Add personal but minimal decor
Show Workspace Organization Photo Examples. Ask students to identify productivity-enhancing elements. Record best practices on whiteboard.
Task Prioritization
- Use the Task Prioritization Checklist
- Rank 5 provided tasks by deadline & impact
- Share your top 2 priorities with a partner and explain
Introduce the checklist and have students rank 5 tasks individually. Then discuss with a partner.
Reflection & Action Plan
- Complete the Organizational Skills Checklist
- Identify two strategies to use this week
- Write them down and prepare to share one
Have students complete the Organizational Skills Checklist. Then write two strategies they will implement this week. Invite a few volunteers to share.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
- Review your action plan
- Apply one strategy today
- Track your progress and adjust as needed
See you next time for a quick check-in!
Recap main points. Remind students to apply their strategies and that you’ll check in next class. End on a positive note.
Worksheet
Time Management Matrix Template
Use the four quadrants below to categorize your tasks by urgency and importance. Write each task in the appropriate box.
Quadrant I: Urgent & Important
Quadrant II: Not Urgent & Important
Quadrant III: Urgent & Not Important
Quadrant IV: Not Urgent & Not Important
After filling in each quadrant, be prepared to discuss:
- Which quadrant had the most tasks? Why?
- How can focusing on Quadrant II help you reduce last-minute stress?
Worksheet
Organizational Skills Checklist
Rate yourself on the following statements by circling the option that best describes your usual behavior.
| Statement | Always | Usually | Sometimes | Rarely | Never |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. I set specific time blocks for homework and study. | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 2. My workspace is tidy and free of distractions before I begin. | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 3. I break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 4. I use a planner or digital tool to track deadlines and events. | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 5. I prioritize tasks by deadline and importance. | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 6. I review and adjust my plan if unexpected tasks arise. | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
Reflection & Action Strategies
-
Which area do you feel strongest in? Why?
-
Which area would you most like to improve? Describe one strategy you will use this week to improve it.
-
Identify a habit you can adjust to boost your organization (e.g., decluttering your desk, setting daily goals).
-
How will you track your progress and hold yourself accountable?
Be prepared to share one of your strategies with the class.
Worksheet
Workspace Organization Photo Examples
Below are four workspace photos. Paste or insert each photo in the space provided, then write your observations.
Photo 1
[Insert Photo 1 Here]
Notes:
- Helpful elements (✓):
- Distracting elements (✗):
Photo 2
[Insert Photo 2 Here]
Notes:
- Helpful elements (✓):
- Distracting elements (✗):
Photo 3
[Insert Photo 3 Here]
Notes:
- Helpful elements (✓):
- Distracting elements (✗):
Photo 4
[Insert Photo 4 Here]
Notes:
- Helpful elements (✓):
- Distracting elements (✗):
Reflection
What one change would you make to your own workspace to boost productivity?
Worksheet
Task Prioritization Checklist
Use the table below to evaluate five common school tasks. For each task:
- Note the deadline (e.g., days/hours until due)
- Assess the impact on your grade or well-being (High / Medium / Low)
- Assign a priority rank (1 = highest priority; 5 = lowest priority)
| Task | Deadline | Impact (H/M/L) | Priority (1–5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Math problem set | ____________________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| 2. Biology quiz study | ____________________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| 3. Literature reading (Chapter 4) | ____________________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| 4. History group project | ____________________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| 5. Organize notes & planner | ____________________ | ______________ | ______________ |
Reflection & Justification
-
Which two tasks did you rank as your top priorities (Priority = 1 or 2)? Explain why these are most urgent or important for you.
-
How will you adjust your schedule or daily plan to ensure these tasks get completed on time?
-
Which task did you rank lowest (Priority = 5)? What might cause you to lower its priority in the future?
Be prepared to share your top priority choices and planning strategy with a partner.