Lesson Plan
The Clock Is Ticking Lesson Plan
Students will be able to analyze their current use of time and identify three ways effective time management can improve their academic performance.
Effective time management is a critical life skill that directly impacts academic success, reduces stress, and fosters self-discipline. Mastering it now will set students up for success in high school and beyond.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, self-reflection, and practical application.
Materials
- Slide Deck, - Warm-Up Discussion Questions, - My Time Log Worksheet, - Schedule Building Desk Activity Instructions, - Video & Discussion Guide, - Exit Ticket, - Projector and screen, - Whiteboard or chart paper, and - Markers or pens
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review the Slide Deck and Script to familiarize yourself with the content and talking points.
- Print copies of the My Time Log Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare materials for the Schedule Building Desk Activity (e.g., blank paper, colored pens/pencils).
- Ensure the projector and computer are working and the video is ready to play.
- Write the Warm-Up questions on the board or prepare to display the Warm-Up Discussion Questions slide.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm-Up Discussion Questions to activate prior knowledge and engage students.
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts on time management.
Step 2
Concept Introduction & Vocabulary
10 minutes
- Use the Slide Deck to introduce key concepts: Time Audit, Prioritization, Procrastination, Stress Management, and Self-Discipline.
- Refer to the Script for specific talking points and definitions.
- Engage students with questions and examples related to each concept.
Step 3
Interactive Time Audit Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the My Time Log Worksheet.
- Guide students through a personal time audit, explaining how to track their activities for a day.
- Facilitate the Schedule Building Desk Activity, where students physically arrange daily tasks to visualize their schedules. Provide the Schedule Building Desk Activity Instructions.
- Encourage students to reflect on their current time usage and identify areas for improvement.
Step 4
Worksheet Practice & Video Discussion
10 minutes
- Have students work on the reflection questions on the My Time Log Worksheet individually.
- Show a short video on time management (as outlined in the Video & Discussion Guide).
- Lead a class discussion using the prompts from the Video & Discussion Guide, connecting the video's themes to the concepts discussed and students' personal reflections.
Step 5
Reflection and Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Distribute the Exit Ticket.
- Have students complete the Exit Ticket to summarize their learning and identify actionable steps.
- Collect the Exit Ticket as a quick assessment of understanding.
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Slide Deck
Tick-Tock! Time Management for Success
Why is time important for school?
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Explain that good time management can make school easier and less stressful.
Warm-Up: Time Talk
- What does 'time management' mean to you?
- How do you currently manage your time for schoolwork and other activities?
- What are some challenges you face when trying to get things done?
Display the warm-up questions. Give students a minute to think, then facilitate a brief discussion. Encourage all students to participate.
Key Concept 1: Time Audit
- What it is: Tracking how you spend your time.
- Why it matters: Helps you see where your time goes (and where it might be wasted!).
- Activity: We'll be doing a 'My Time Log' activity soon!
Introduce the idea of a 'time audit.' Explain it's like taking an inventory of where their time actually goes. Emphasize honesty.
Key Concept 2: Prioritization
- What it is: Deciding what tasks are most important.
- Why it matters: Ensures you focus on high-impact tasks first.
- Strategy: Urgent vs. Important (Eisenhower Matrix - quick mention).
Discuss prioritization. Use an example like 'What would you do first if you had an essay due tomorrow and a small quiz next week?'
Key Concept 3: Procrastination
- What it is: Delaying tasks, even when you know it's a bad idea.
- Why it matters: Leads to stress, rushed work, and missed deadlines.
- Strategy: Break down big tasks, set small goals, reward yourself.
Address procrastination head-on. Ask students if they've ever put something off, and why. Validate their experiences.
Key Concept 4: Stress Management
- What it is: Techniques to cope with and reduce stress.
- Why it matters: Poor time management often leads to increased stress.
- Connection: Better planning = less last-minute panic = less stress!
Explain the link between poor time management and stress. Discuss how good time management can actually reduce stress.
Key Concept 5: Self-Discipline
- What it is: The ability to control your impulses and stay focused on goals.
- Why it matters: Essential for sticking to your time management plans.
- How to build it: Start small, celebrate successes, be consistent.
Emphasize that self-discipline is a skill that can be developed. Connect it to building good habits.
Activity: My Time Log
Let's take a closer look at how you spend your time!
- Track your activities for a typical school day.
- Be honest about where your minutes go.
- Reflect: What did you discover?
Explain the next activity and distribute the worksheet. Encourage students to be honest in their logs.
Activity: Schedule Building
Now, let's build a better schedule!
- How can you rearrange your time to fit in important tasks?
- What changes can you make to be more efficient?
- Create a visual representation of your ideal day.
Transition to the Schedule Building activity. Explain they will be physically arranging tasks.
Watch & Discuss
We're going to watch a short video on time management. As you watch, think about:
- What strategies are mentioned?
- How do these connect to our key concepts?
- What new ideas do you have?
Introduce the video and prepare students for the discussion. Explain the purpose of the guide.
Time to Reflect: Exit Ticket
- Name one new time management strategy you learned today.
- How will you apply this strategy in your daily life?
- What is one benefit you expect from better time management?
Conclude the lesson by having students complete the exit ticket. Collect them for a quick check of understanding.
Warm Up
Warm-Up Discussion Questions
Take a few minutes to think about these questions. We will discuss them as a class.
- What does time management mean to you?
- How do you currently manage your time for schoolwork, hobbies, and other activities?
- What are some of the biggest challenges you face when trying to get things done on time?
Worksheet
My Time Log: Where Does My Time Go?
Instructions: For one typical school day, try to log your activities for each block of time. Be as honest as possible! This is for your reflection.
Part 1: Tracking Your Day
| Time Block | Activity (What were you doing?) | Time Spent (approx.) | Notes/Reflections (How did it feel? Was it productive?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM | |||
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | |||
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | |||
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | |||
| 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |||
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | |||
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | |||
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | |||
| 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | |||
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | |||
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | |||
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | |||
| 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | |||
| 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | |||
| 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM | |||
| 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |||
| 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Part 2: Reflection Questions
-
Looking at your time log, what surprised you the most about how you spend your time?
-
Can you identify any time traps or activities that consistently take up more time than you expect or are not very productive?
-
Based on your log, what are 1-2 small changes you could make to improve your daily schedule for schoolwork or personal goals?
-
How do you think making these changes could impact your stress levels or academic performance?
-
What is one thing you will try to prioritize more effectively starting today?
Activity
Schedule Building Desk Activity: Design Your Ideal Day
Goal: To visually plan out an ideal school day, incorporating effective time management strategies.
Materials:
- Blank sheet of paper or provided template
- Colored pens, pencils, or markers
- Small slips of paper or sticky notes for tasks (optional)
Instructions:
-
Divide Your Day: On your paper, draw a timeline or divide it into hourly blocks, similar to your My Time Log Worksheet. Start from when you typically wake up until when you go to bed.
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List Your Fixed Commitments: First, write down all the activities that are fixed and unchangeable. These are your non-negotiables. Examples:
- School classes (e.g.,
Discussion
Time Management Video & Discussion Guide
Video to Watch: (Teacher will provide a short video on time management, e.g.,
Cool Down
Exit Ticket: My Time Management Pledge
Instructions: Please answer the following questions to reflect on today's lesson and your personal time management plan.
-
Name one new time management strategy or concept you learned about today.
-
Describe one specific way you plan to apply this strategy to improve your academic performance or reduce stress this week.
-
What is one potential challenge you foresee in implementing your new time management strategy, and how might you overcome it?
-
How do you think effective time management contributes to overall well-being and success beyond just school?
Script
Teacher Script: The Clock Is Ticking
(5 minutes) Warm-Up Discussion
Teacher: