Lesson Plan
Where Does the Time Go? Lesson Plan
Students will be able to create a simple weekly schedule that includes academic tasks and personal activities.
Understanding time management is a vital life skill that empowers students to take control of their responsibilities, reduce stress, and make time for the activities they enjoy.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Through interactive discussion, practical activities, and guided planning.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Markers/Pens, Time Management Slide Deck, My Weekly Schedule Template, Prioritization Matrix Activity, Beat the Clock Time Challenge Game, and Optional: Digital calendar/planner examples
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Time Management Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
* Print copies of the My Weekly Schedule Template (one per student).
* Prepare materials for the Prioritization Matrix Activity (e.g., sticky notes or small slips of paper).
* Familiarize yourself with the rules and setup for the Beat the Clock Time Challenge Game.
* Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready for use.
* Review all generated materials as needed to ensure comfort with the lesson flow and content.
Step 1
Welcome & Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Hook: Begin by asking students: "Where does the time go?" Lead a brief discussion about how they feel about managing their time, especially with homework and extracurriculars. (See Time Management Slide Deck Slide 1-2)
* Introduce Learning Objective: Clearly state the lesson's objective: students will learn how to create a simple weekly schedule to manage their time effectively. (See Time Management Slide Deck Slide 3)
* Warm-Up Activity: Present a quick scenario (e.g., "You have a big test tomorrow, soccer practice, and your favorite show is on!"). Ask students to quickly jot down (or verbally share) what they would do first. This leads into the concept of prioritization. (See Time Management Slide Deck Slide 4)
Step 2
Explore & Prioritize
15 minutes
- Key Concepts: Use the Time Management Slide Deck (Slides 5-9) to introduce the key concepts of time management, prioritization, planners/calendars, homework routines, and balancing activities. Facilitate a brief discussion after each concept.
* Prioritization Activity: Distribute sticky notes or small slips of paper. Guide students through the Prioritization Matrix Activity. Have them list tasks and categorize them into the four quadrants. Discuss their choices and the implications for task management. (See Time Management Slide Deck Slide 10)
Step 3
Create & Schedule
10 minutes
- Weekly Schedule Introduction: Explain the importance of a visual schedule. Distribute the My Weekly Schedule Template. (See Time Management Slide Deck Slide 11)
* Guided Scheduling: Guide students in filling out their weekly schedule. Start with fixed commitments (school hours, sports, lessons). Then, encourage them to add academic tasks (homework, studying) and personal activities (chores, free time). Emphasize balancing responsibilities with leisure time.
* Beat the Clock Game: Transition to the Beat the Clock Time Challenge Game. Divide students into groups and explain the rules. Facilitate one round of the game to reinforce time awareness and efficient task completion. (See Time Management Slide Deck Slide 12)
Step 4
Share & Reflect
10 minutes
- Group Sharing: Have students share one aspect of their weekly schedule or one challenge they faced during the game with a small group or the class.
* Reflection Questions: Use the reflection questions from the Time Management Slide Deck (Slide 13) to encourage deeper thinking: "What was one new thing you learned about time management?" and "What is one change you might try to make in your weekly routine?"
* Closing: Reiterate that time management is a skill that improves with practice and encourage them to use their new schedule. (See Time Management Slide Deck Slide 14)
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Slide Deck
Where Does the Time Go?
Do you ever feel like there just isn't enough time in the day?
Between school, homework, sports, friends, and family, it can feel overwhelming!
Welcome students and immediately grab their attention with a relatable question. Ask a few students to share their initial thoughts.
Let's Take Control!
Today, we're going to learn some awesome strategies to help you manage your time like a pro!
Get ready to become a time management master!
Transition from the relatable problem to the solution this lesson will provide.
Our Goal Today
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Understand why time management is important.
- Identify your most important tasks.
- Create a simple weekly schedule that balances school and fun!
Clearly state the objective so students know what they will achieve by the end of the lesson.
Warm-Up: The Daily Dilemma
Imagine this:
- Big science test tomorrow!
- Soccer practice in 30 minutes!
- Your favorite TV show starts NOW!
What do you do first? Why?
This is the warm-up activity. Give students a moment to think and share briefly. Emphasize that there's no right or wrong answer, but to consider what feels most urgent.
What is Time Management?
- It's about planning and controlling how you spend the hours in your day.
- It helps you get important things done.
- It leaves time for the things you enjoy!
- Think of it like being the conductor of your own daily orchestra!
Introduce the first key concept. Explain that time management isn't about having more time, but using the time you have wisely.
The Power of Prioritization
What should you do first?
- Prioritization means deciding which tasks are most important and doing them first.
- It helps you focus your energy where it matters most.
- Imagine you have a big pile of tasks... which one do you tackle first?
Explain why prioritization is crucial. Use simple examples like packing a backpack for school vs. packing for a beach trip.
Your Time Management Tools
- Planners & Calendars: These are your best friends!
- They help you see what's coming up.
- They remind you of important dates and tasks.
- They can be digital (on a phone/computer) or a physical notebook.
Introduce the idea of tools. Briefly show examples if possible (physical planner, phone calendar).
Homework Routines: A Game Changer!
- Having a regular time and place for homework can make a HUGE difference.
- It helps your brain get into "work mode" faster.
- It can prevent last-minute stress!
- What does a good homework routine look like for you?
Explain the importance of routines. Connect it to something familiar like morning routines or bedtime routines.
Balance is Key!
- Time management isn't just about schoolwork!
- It's also about making time for:
- Friends
- Family
- Hobbies
- Relaxing and having fun!
- A balanced schedule makes you feel happier and less stressed.
Emphasize balance. Ask students what activities they like to do besides school.
Activity: Prioritize Like a Pro!
Now, let's put prioritization into practice with our Prioritization Matrix Activity!
We'll decide what's Urgent & Important and what can wait.
Transition to the activity. Explain the purpose of the Prioritization Matrix Activity.
Your Weekly Masterpiece!
It's time to build your ideal week!
We'll use the My Weekly Schedule Template to map out your week, balancing everything you need and want to do.
Introduce the weekly schedule template. Explain that they will be filling this out.
Challenge Accepted: Beat the Clock!
Let's test our time awareness with the Beat the Clock Time Challenge Game!
Work together to complete tasks within a time limit.
Briefly explain the rules of the game and how it reinforces time awareness.
Share & Reflect
Take a moment to look at your schedule or think about what you learned.
- What was one new thing you learned about time management?
- What is one change you might try to make in your weekly routine?
- How can better time management help you reach your goals?
Encourage reflection. Ask students what they learned or what they will try to implement.
You've Got This!
Remember, time management is a skill that gets better with practice.
Start small, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress!
Now go out there and conquer your time!
End with an encouraging and empowering message.
Worksheet
My Weekly Schedule Template
English Version
This template will help you plan out your week, balancing school, homework, and fun activities! Try to be realistic about how long each task will take.
Monday
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Tuesday
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Wednesday
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Thursday
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Friday
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Saturday
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Sunday
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Plantilla de Mi Horario Semanal
Versión en Español
¡Esta plantilla te ayudará a planificar tu semana, equilibrando la escuela, la tarea y las actividades divertidas! Intenta ser realista sobre cuánto tiempo llevará cada tarea.
Lunes
- Mañana (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noche (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Martes
- Mañana (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noche (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Miércoles
- Mañana (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noche (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Jueves
- Mañana (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noche (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Viernes
- Mañana (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noche (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Sábado
- Mañana (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noche (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Domingo
- Mañana (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noche (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Modelo da Minha Programação Semanal
Versão em Português
Este modelo irá ajudá-lo a planear a sua semana, equilibrando a escola, os trabalhos de casa e as atividades divertidas! Tente ser realista sobre quanto tempo cada tarefa irá demorar.
Segunda-feira
- Manhã (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noite (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Terça-feira
- Manhã (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noite (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Quarta-feira
- Manhã (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noite (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Quinta-feira
- Manhã (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noite (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Sexta-feira
- Manhã (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noite (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Sábado
- Manhã (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noite (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Domingo
- Manhã (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Tarde (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Noite (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Activity
Prioritization Matrix Activity
English Version
It's time to learn how to prioritize! This activity will help you sort your tasks so you know what to do first.
Instructions:
-
On a piece of paper or a whiteboard, draw a large square and divide it into four smaller squares, like this:
Urgent & Important Not Urgent & Important Urgent & Not Important Not Urgent & Not Important -
Think of 5-7 tasks you need to do or want to do in the next week (e.g., finish a math assignment, study for a history quiz, clean your room, play video games, call a friend, practice an instrument, walk the dog).
-
Write each task on a separate sticky note or small piece of paper.
-
Discuss as a class (or in small groups) what "urgent" means (needs to be done soon) and what "important" means (matters a lot, helps you achieve goals).
-
Place each of your tasks into the correct quadrant of the matrix.
- Urgent & Important: Do these first! (e.g., homework due tomorrow)
- Not Urgent & Important: Schedule these! (e.g., studying for a test next week)
- Urgent & Not Important: Delegate or do quickly if possible! (e.g., responding to a quick text)
- Not Urgent & Not Important: Do these last or reconsider if needed! (e.g., browsing social media for a long time)
Reflection Questions:
- How did this activity help you think about your tasks differently?
- Were there any tasks that were difficult to place?
- How can using a prioritization matrix help you feel less stressed?
Actividad de Matriz de Priorización
Versión en Español
¡Es hora de aprender a priorizar! Esta actividad te ayudará a organizar tus tareas para que sepas qué hacer primero.
Instrucciones:
-
En una hoja de papel o una pizarra, dibuja un cuadrado grande y divídelo en cuatro cuadrados más pequeños, así:
Urgente e Importante No Urgente e Importante Urgente y No Importante No Urgente y No Importante -
Piensa en 5-7 tareas que necesites o quieras hacer en la próxima semana (por ejemplo, terminar una tarea de matemáticas, estudiar para un examen de historia, limpiar tu habitación, jugar videojuegos, llamar a un amigo, practicar un instrumento, pasear al perro).
-
Escribe cada tarea en una nota adhesiva separada o en un pequeño trozo de papel.
-
Discute en clase (o en grupos pequeños) qué significa "urgente" (necesita hacerse pronto) y qué significa "importante" (importa mucho, te ayuda a alcanzar tus metas).
-
Coloca cada una de tus tareas en el cuadrante correcto de la matriz.
- Urgente e Importante: ¡Hazlas primero! (por ejemplo, tarea que vence mañana)
- No Urgente e Importante: ¡Prográmalas! (por ejemplo, estudiar para un examen la próxima semana)
- Urgente y No Importante: ¡Delega o hazlas rápidamente si es posible! (por ejemplo, responder a un mensaje rápido)
- No Urgente y No Importante: ¡Hazlas al final o reconsidera si es necesario! (por ejemplo, navegar por redes sociales durante mucho tiempo)
Preguntas de Reflexión:
- ¿Cómo te ayudó esta actividad a pensar en tus tareas de manera diferente?
- ¿Hubo alguna tarea que fue difícil de ubicar?
- ¿Cómo puede el uso de una matriz de priorización ayudarte a sentir menos estrés?
Atividade de Matriz de Priorização
Versão em Português
É hora de aprender a priorizar! Esta atividade irá ajudá-lo a organizar as suas tarefas para que saiba o que fazer primeiro.
Instruções:
-
Numa folha de papel ou num quadro branco, desenhe um quadrado grande e divida-o em quatro quadrados menores, assim:
Urgente e Importante Não Urgente e Importante Urgente e Não Importante Não Urgente e Não Importante -
Pense em 5-7 tarefas que precisa ou quer fazer na próxima semana (por exemplo, terminar uma tarefa de matemática, estudar para um teste de história, limpar o seu quarto, jogar videojogos, ligar para um amigo, praticar um instrumento, passear com o cão).
-
Escreva cada tarefa num post-it separado ou num pequeno pedaço de papel.
-
Discuta em turma (ou em pequenos grupos) o que significa "urgente" (precisa ser feito em breve) e o que significa "importante" (importa muito, ajuda a alcançar objetivos).
-
Coloque cada uma das suas tarefas no quadrante correto da matriz.
- Urgente e Importante: Faça estas primeiro! (por exemplo, trabalho de casa para amanhã)
- Não Urgente e Importante: Agende estas! (por exemplo, estudar para um teste na próxima semana)
- Urgent & Not Important: Delegue ou faça rapidamente, se possível! (por exemplo, responder a uma mensagem rápida)
- Não Urgente e Não Importante: Faça estas por último ou reconsidere se necessário! (por exemplo, navegar nas redes sociais por muito tempo)
Perguntas para Reflexão:
- Como esta atividade o ajudou a pensar sobre as suas tarefas de forma diferente?
- Houve alguma tarefa que foi difícil de colocar?
- Como o uso de uma matriz de priorização pode ajudá-lo a sentir menos estresse?
Game
Beat the Clock Time Challenge Game
English Version
Let's put our time awareness to the test! This game will challenge you to complete small tasks efficiently.
Instructions:
- Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Each group will receive a list of 3-4 simple tasks.
- The goal is to complete all tasks within a set time limit (e.g., 5-7 minutes).
- Tasks should require quick thinking and collaboration, but not be overly complex.
- The teacher will act as the timekeeper and announce when time is up.
Sample Tasks (Choose 3-4 per round, or create your own!):
- Write down 5 things you want to achieve by the end of the school year.
- Alphabetize a list of 10 school subjects.
- Draw a simple picture that represents "good time management."
- Write a two-sentence summary of what you learned about prioritization.
- List 3 benefits of using a weekly schedule.
- Find a partner and tell them one fun thing you did last weekend (each).
Discussion after the Game:
- How did it feel to work under a time limit?
- What strategies did your group use to complete the tasks?
- Did anyone run out of time? What could have been done differently?
- How does this game relate to managing your time in real life?
Juego Desafío del Tiempo: ¡Gana al Reloj!
Versión en Español
¡Pongamos a prueba nuestra conciencia del tiempo! Este juego te desafiará a completar pequeñas tareas de manera eficiente.
Instrucciones:
- Divide la clase en grupos pequeños (3-4 estudiantes por grupo).
- Cada grupo recibirá una lista de 3-4 tareas simples.
- El objetivo es completar todas las tareas dentro de un límite de tiempo establecido (por ejemplo, 5-7 minutos).
- Las tareas deben requerir pensamiento rápido y colaboración, pero no ser demasiado complejas.
- El maestro actuará como el cronometrador y anunciará cuándo se acaba el tiempo.
Ejemplos de Tareas (¡Elige 3-4 por ronda, o crea las tuyas propias!):
- Escribe 5 cosas que quieras lograr para el final del año escolar.
- Ordena alfabéticamente una lista de 10 materias escolares.
- Dibuja una imagen simple que represente la "buena gestión del tiempo."
- Escribe un resumen de dos oraciones sobre lo que aprendiste de la priorización.
- Enumera 3 beneficios de usar un horario semanal.
- Encuentra un compañero y cuéntale una cosa divertida que hiciste el fin de semana pasado (cada uno).
Preguntas para Discutir después del Juego:
- ¿Cómo se sintieron al trabajar bajo un límite de tiempo?
- ¿Qué estrategias utilizó tu grupo para completar las tareas?
- ¿Alguien se quedó sin tiempo? ¿Qué se podría haber hecho diferente?
- ¿Cómo se relaciona este juego con la gestión de tu tiempo en la vida real?
Jogo Desafio do Tempo: Vença o Relógio!
Versão em Português
Vamos testar a nossa consciência do tempo! Este jogo irá desafiá-lo a completar pequenas tarefas de forma eficiente.
Instruções:
- Divida a turma em pequenos grupos (3-4 alunos por grupo).
- Cada grupo receberá uma lista de 3-4 tarefas simples.
- O objetivo é completar todas as tarefas dentro de um limite de tempo estabelecido (por exemplo, 5-7 minutos).
- As tarefas devem exigir raciocínio rápido e colaboração, mas não serem excessivamente complexas.
- O professor atuará como o cronometrista e anunciará quando o tempo acabar.
Exemplos de Tarefas (Escolha 3-4 por rodada, ou crie as suas próprias!):
- Anote 5 coisas que você quer alcançar até o final do ano letivo.
- Coloque em ordem alfabética uma lista de 10 disciplinas escolares.
- Desenhe uma imagem simples que represente a "boa gestão do tempo."
- Escreva um resumo de duas frases sobre o que você aprendeu sobre priorização.
- Liste 3 benefícios de usar uma programação semanal.
- Encontre um parceiro e conte a ele uma coisa divertida que você fez no último fim de semana (cada um).
Perguntas para Discussão após o Jogo:
- Como foi trabalhar sob um limite de tempo?
- Que estratégias o seu grupo usou para completar as tarefas?
- Alguém ficou sem tempo? O que poderia ter sido feito de forma diferente?
- Como este jogo se relaciona com a gestão do seu tempo na vida real?