lenny

The Proactive Planner

user image

Lesson Plan

The Proactive Planner Lesson Plan

Students will learn to prioritize tasks, create realistic schedules, and utilize planning tools to effectively manage their time and reduce stress in academic and vocational settings.

Mastering time management and organization is crucial for high school students to succeed academically, prepare for future careers, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This lesson provides practical strategies to empower students with these essential life skills.

Audience

9th-12th Grade Students

Time

60-75 minutes

Approach

Interactive exercises and practical tool application.

Materials

The Proactive Planner Slide Deck, Task Prioritization Worksheet, My Weekly Schedule Activity, Pens/Pencils, and Optional: Digital calendars or planners (e.g., Google Calendar, physical planners)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook: Why Time Matters (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Begin with The Proactive Planner Slide Deck (Slide 1-3).
    - Ask students: 'What does a typical busy week look like for you? What makes it feel overwhelming?'
    - Introduce the concept of proactive planning and its benefits (reducing stress, improving grades, having more free time).

Step 2

Understanding Priorities: The Eisenhower Matrix (15 minutes)

15 minutes

  • Present the Eisenhower Matrix using The Proactive Planner Slide Deck (Slide 4-6).
    - Distribute the Task Prioritization Worksheet.
    - Guide students to apply the matrix to their own tasks, categorizing them into Urgent/Important, Important/Not Urgent, Urgent/Not Important, Not Urgent/Not Important.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion on insights gained from prioritizing tasks.

Step 3

Crafting Your Schedule: Realistic Planning (20 minutes)

20 minutes

  • Transition to realistic scheduling with The Proactive Planner Slide Deck (Slide 7-9).
    - Distribute the My Weekly Schedule Activity.
    - Instruct students to block out fixed commitments (classes, work, appointments) first, then allocate time for their 'Important/Not Urgent' tasks, and finally, 'Urgent/Important' tasks. Emphasize including breaks and leisure.
    - Circulate and offer guidance as students work on their schedules.

Step 4

Tools for Success & Wrap-up (15 minutes)

15 minutes

  • Discuss various planning tools (digital calendars, physical planners, to-do list apps) using The Proactive Planner Slide Deck (Slide 10-12).
    - Encourage students to share their preferred tools or new tools they might try.
    - Conclude with a reminder of the main takeaways and the importance of consistent practice in proactive planning. Ask students to commit to trying one new planning strategy this week.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Welcome, Proactive Planners!

Are you ready to take control of your time and tasks?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of time management. Ask them to think about their busiest week and what makes it feel overwhelming.

Why Be a Proactive Planner?

  • Reduce Stress
  • Improve Grades
  • Have More Free Time
  • Prepare for College & Career

Explain why time management is a crucial skill for high school students. Connect it to their current academic load and future goals.

Proactive vs. Reactive

Proactive: You choose what to do and when.
Reactive: Deadlines choose for you!

Define proactive planning as taking initiative and responsibility for your time, rather than reacting to deadlines.

The Eisenhower Matrix

A tool to help you prioritize your tasks by urgency and importance.

Introduce the Eisenhower Matrix as a powerful tool for prioritizing tasks. Explain the four quadrants.

Quadrant Breakdown

  1. Urgent & Important (Do Now!): Homework due tomorrow, studying for a test today.
  2. Important, Not Urgent (Decide When!): Project due next month, college applications.
  3. Urgent, Not Important (Delegate If Possible!): Responding to non-critical emails, certain club meetings.
  4. Not Urgent, Not Important (Delete!): Mindless scrolling, excessive gaming.

Explain each quadrant with examples relevant to high school students.

Your Turn! Prioritize Your Tasks

Use the Task Prioritization Worksheet to categorize your own tasks.

Distribute the worksheet and instruct students to apply the matrix to their own tasks. Give them time to work.

Crafting Your Realistic Schedule

It's not about doing more, it's about doing the right things efficiently.

Explain the importance of realistic scheduling. Emphasize blocking out fixed times first.

Build Your Weekly Plan

  1. Block out fixed commitments (classes, work, appointments).
  2. Schedule 'Important, Not Urgent' tasks.
  3. Add 'Urgent & Important' tasks.
  4. Don't forget breaks, meals, and fun!

Guide students through the steps of creating their weekly schedule, including breaks and leisure time.

My Weekly Schedule

Use the My Weekly Schedule Activity to map out your ideal week.

Distribute the activity and allow students to create their personalized weekly schedules.

Tools for Proactive Planners

What helps you stay organized?

Discuss various tools available for planning. Ask students what they currently use or would like to try.

Popular Planning Tools

  • Digital Calendars (Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar)
  • Physical Planners/Agendas
  • To-Do List Apps (Todoist, Microsoft To Do)
  • Bullet Journals

Show examples of different tools: digital calendars, physical planners, to-do list apps.

Your Proactive Journey Starts Now!

Choose one strategy to try this week and see the difference!

Conclude by reiterating the benefits of proactive planning and encouraging students to implement at least one new strategy.

lenny

Worksheet

Task Prioritization Worksheet: The Eisenhower Matrix

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Instructions: List your current tasks or upcoming responsibilities. Then, using the Eisenhower Matrix below, categorize each task based on its urgency and importance. This will help you decide what to focus on first!

My Current Tasks / Responsibilities:

























The Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize Your Tasks

Divide your tasks into the four quadrants below. Write the task number (from your list above) or a brief description of the task in the appropriate box.

1. Urgent & Important (Do First!)

Tasks that need immediate attention and are critical for your goals.













2. Important, Not Urgent (Schedule It!)

Tasks that are critical for your goals but don't need to be done right away.













3. Urgent, Not Important (Delegate or Minimize!)

Tasks that demand immediate attention but don't significantly contribute to your goals.













4. Not Urgent, Not Important (Eliminate!)

Tasks that are distractions and don't contribute to your goals.













lenny
lenny

Activity

My Weekly Schedule: Take Control of Your Time!

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Instructions: This activity will help you create a realistic and effective weekly schedule. Follow the steps below to map out your time. Remember to be honest about how long tasks take and include time for breaks and fun!

Step 1: Fixed Commitments (Block it out!)

First, fill in all your fixed commitments: classes, work, appointments, sports practices, club meetings, etc. Use specific times.

Time SlotMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
7:00 AM






8:00 AM






9:00 AM






10:00 AM






11:00 AM






12:00 PM






1:00 PM






2:00 PM






3:00 PM






4:00 PM






5:00 PM






6:00 PM






7:00 PM






8:00 PM






9:00 PM






Step 2: Important, Not Urgent (Schedule your 'Decide' tasks!)

Now, look at the tasks you categorized as 'Important, Not Urgent' from your Task Prioritization Worksheet. Find open slots in your schedule for these tasks. This might be studying for a big test next week, working on a long-term project, or college applications.

List these tasks and the times you've scheduled them:











Step 3: Urgent & Important (Fit in your 'Do Now' tasks!)

Next, add in your 'Urgent & Important' tasks. These are often daily homework assignments or immediate study needs. See where they fit in the remaining open time slots.

List these tasks and the times you've scheduled them:











Step 4: Don't Forget the Fun! (Review and Adjust)

Look at your schedule. Have you included time for:

  • Meals and snacks?
  • Breaks and relaxation?
  • Exercise or hobbies?
  • Socializing with friends/family?

It's important to have a balanced schedule! Adjust your schedule to ensure you have time for well-being. A realistic schedule is a sustainable schedule.

My key takeaway from creating this schedule:












lenny
lenny