lenny

Win the Week Before It Starts

user image

Lesson Plan

Win the Week Before It Starts Lesson Plan

Students will be able to fill out a weekly planner, identifying at least two key deadlines and one personal commitment.

This lesson is important because it equips students with essential organizational skills, helping them manage their academic and personal lives more effectively, leading to reduced stress and improved performance.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Through direct instruction, guided practice, and independent application using a weekly planner.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Connect to Prior Knowledge: The Planner Power-Up

2 minutes

  1. Ask: "Who here uses a planner or an agenda? What do you use it for?" (Allow 3-4 student responses).
  2. State: "Today, we're going to learn how to 'Win the Week Before It Starts' by becoming master weekly planners!"

Step 2

Introduce New Concept: The Art of Weekly Planning

5 minutes

  1. Present: Display Winning the Week Slide Deck Slide 2: "Why Plan Your Week?"
  2. Explain: Discuss the benefits: reducing stress, not missing deadlines, making time for fun.
  3. Present: Display Winning the Week Slide Deck Slide 3: "Key Ingredients of a Winning Week."
  4. Introduce: Explain the concepts of identifying deadlines and personal commitments.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Filling Our Planners Together

5 minutes

  1. Distribute: Hand out the My Weekly Planner Template to each student.
  2. Instruct: "Let's fill out the template together for this upcoming week. Think about what you know is coming up: quizzes, projects, sports practice, family time."
  3. Model: On the board or using the slide deck, model filling out a planner with example deadlines (e.g., "Math Quiz Friday") and personal commitments (e.g., "Soccer Practice Tuesday").
  4. Support: Circulate and assist students as they begin to fill in their own planners, ensuring they identify at least two key deadlines and one personal commitment.

Step 4

Independent Application: My Week, My Plan

2 minutes

  1. Instruct: "Now, take a moment to add one more thing to your planner on your own. It could be homework, another commitment, or even some free time you want to schedule!"
  2. Observe: Briefly check for understanding and engagement.

Step 5

Reflect and Share: My Weekly Win

1 minute

  1. Ask: "What's one thing you're going to remember to put in your planner this week?" (Allow 1-2 quick responses or a show of hands for those who feel more organized).
  2. Conclude: "Great job! With a little planning, you're ready to 'Win the Week Before It Starts'!"
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Win the Week Before It Starts!

Your secret weapon for a stress-free, successful week!

Greet students and start with the warm-up question: "Who here uses a planner or an agenda? What do you use it for?" Collect a few responses to engage the class.

Why Plan Your Week?

  • Reduce stress and feel more organized
  • Never miss a deadline or appointment
  • Make time for homework, friends, family, and fun activities
  • Feel in control of your schedule

Explain the benefits of planning. Emphasize that planning isn't just about schoolwork, but also about making time for things they enjoy, which reduces stress.

Key Ingredients of a Winning Week

  • Deadlines: Tests, projects, assignments due
  • Appointments: Doctor, dentist, tutor sessions
  • Personal Commitments: Sports practice, club meetings, family events, social plans
  • To-Do Items: Homework, chores, errands

Introduce the two main components they should focus on when planning their week: fixed deadlines (tests, projects) and personal commitments (sports, hobbies, family time).

Let's Plan Our Week!

Time to put your planning skills to the test!

Grab your My Weekly Planner Template and let's fill it in together.

This slide is for the guided practice. Project the My Weekly Planner Template on the screen (if possible) or use this space to visually model filling it out. Instruct students to follow along on their own copies.

lenny

Worksheet

My Weekly Planner Template

Name: ________________________
Week Of: ______________________

Get ready to Win Your Week by planning ahead! Use this template to keep track of your important deadlines and personal commitments.

Monday

  • Deadlines/To-Dos:


  • Personal Commitments:


Tuesday

  • Deadlines/To-Dos:


  • Personal Commitments:


Wednesday

  • Deadlines/To-Dos:


  • Personal Commitments:


Thursday

  • Deadlines/To-Dos:


  • Personal Commitments:


Friday

  • Deadlines/To-Dos:


  • Personal Commitments:


Weekend (Saturday & Sunday)

  • Deadlines/To-Dos:


  • Personal Commitments:


My Top 3 Priorities for the Week:










How will planning help me this week?












lenny
lenny