Prioritization Power Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Part 1: Your Tasks

List 3-5 tasks you need to complete this week (school, home, personal goals, etc.).

1. __________________________________________________
   
   
   
2. __________________________________________________
   
   
   
3. __________________________________________________
   
   
   
4. __________________________________________________
   
   
   
5. __________________________________________________
   
   
   

Part 2: The Importance/Urgency Matrix

Now, for each task you listed above, decide if it is Important or Not Important, and Urgent or Not Urgent. Then, write the task number in the correct box below.

Think about:

• Important: Does it help me reach a goal (academic, personal, etc.)? Does it have significant consequences if not done?
  
• Urgent: Does it need to be done right now or by a very close deadline? Are there immediate consequences if not done?

Part 3: Reflect and Plan

1. Look at your Quadrant 1 tasks. What is the very first thing you will do to tackle one of these tasks?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Why is it important to spend time on tasks in Quadrant 2 (Important but Not Urgent)? How can you make sure you get these done?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What is one task from Quadrant 3 or 4 that you might consider doing later, asking for help with, or even not doing at all? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Prioritization Power Answer Key

Note to Teacher: Student responses will vary widely based on their personal tasks. This answer key provides examples and a framework for evaluating student understanding of prioritization concepts.

Part 1: Your Tasks

This section is for students to list their own tasks. There are no 'correct' answers here, but ensure students have listed 3-5 distinct tasks.

Example Student Tasks:

1. Finish English essay (due tomorrow)
2. Study for Math test (next week)
3. Clean my room (mom asked)
4. Reply to friend's text
5. Research for science project (due in 2 weeks)

Part 2: The Importance/Urgency Matrix - Example Placements

Teacher Guidance: Encourage students to justify their placement of tasks. The discussion should focus on why they categorized a task as urgent/not urgent and important/not important.

Part 3: Reflect and Plan - Example Responses

1. Look at your Quadrant 1 tasks. What is the very first thing you will do to tackle one of these tasks?
   Example: For my English essay, I will open my laptop and write an outline right after school.
   
   
   Teacher Guidance: Look for specific, actionable first steps. This shows students are moving beyond just identifying tasks to planning execution.

2. Why is it important to spend time on tasks in Quadrant 2 (Important but Not Urgent)? How can you make sure you get these done?
   Example: It's important because these tasks lead to big goals, like getting good grades or finishing a big project without stress. I can make sure I get them done by scheduling time for them in my calendar or setting reminders.
   
   
   
   Teacher Guidance: Students should understand that proactive planning for Quadrant 2 tasks prevents them from becoming Quadrant 1 crises. Look for strategies like scheduling, breaking down tasks, or setting reminders.

3. What is one task from Quadrant 3 or 4 that you might consider doing later, asking for help with, or even not doing at all? Why?
   Example: I might reply to my friend's text later tonight instead of right now, because it's not urgent or super important and I need to focus on my essay. Or, I could ask my brother to help me clean my room to get it done faster.
   
   
   
   Teacher Guidance: This question assesses their ability to critically evaluate tasks and understand that not everything needs their immediate, full attention. Look for reasonable justifications for delaying, delegating, or dropping tasks.

Prioritization Cool Down

Name: _________________________

Quick Reflection

1. What is one new thing you learned about prioritizing your tasks today?
   
   
   
2. Think about your tasks for tomorrow or this week. What is one task you will prioritize using what you learned?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = not confident, 5 = very confident), how confident do you feel now about managing your tasks effectively?
   
   1 2 3 4 5