Lesson Plan
Lets Get Organized!
Students will be able to effectively organize their class assignments using a planner and their class syllabus to improve academic tracking and task management.
Effective organization is a critical life skill that directly impacts academic success. By learning to use a planner and syllabus, students will reduce stress, avoid missed assignments, and build habits essential for future academic and professional endeavors.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Hands-on practice with planners and syllabi, guided by a clear presentation and discussion.
Materials
- Planner Power-Up! Slide Deck, - Student Planners (physical or digital), - Class Syllabi (from current classes, provided by teacher), - Syllabus Scavenger Hunt Worksheet, - Pens/Pencils or devices for digital planners, - Planner Practice Activity, and - Group Discussion Guide
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Planner Power-Up! Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Planner Power-Up! Slide Deck, Syllabus Scavenger Hunt Worksheet, Planner Practice Activity, and Group Discussion Guide.
- Gather student planners (if not already provided by students) and a selection of class syllabi (ensure they are current and relevant to 9th grade classes).
- Make copies of the Syllabus Scavenger Hunt Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare the projector/screen for the Planner Power-Up! Slide Deck.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's Your System?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "How do you keep track of all your school work and assignments?" Allow a few students to share their current methods. Acknowledge both organized and less organized approaches without judgment.
- Introduce the day's topic: learning how to use a planner and syllabus effectively. Use Planner Power-Up! Slide Deck Slide 1-2.
Step 2
Understanding the Syllabus
10 minutes
- Distribute current class syllabi to students (or direct them to digital versions).
- Explain what a syllabus is and why it's a crucial tool for organization. Use Planner Power-Up! Slide Deck Slide 3-4.
- Guide students through the Syllabus Scavenger Hunt Worksheet using one of the provided syllabi as an example. Work through the first question together, then have students complete it independently or in pairs.
Step 3
Planner Practice & Organization
15 minutes
- Have students open their planners (physical or digital).
- Guide students through the Planner Practice Activity. Using their syllabi and the worksheet, instruct them to transfer at least 3 upcoming assignments/due dates/important information into their planners. Circulate to provide individual support and check for understanding. Use Planner Power-Up! Slide Deck Slide 5-6.
Step 4
Group Discussion & Share Out
10 minutes
- Facilitate a Group Discussion Guide about challenges and strategies for using planners and syllabi effectively. Use Planner Power-Up! Slide Deck Slide 7.
- Ask students to share one tip they learned or one goal they have for using their planner more effectively.
Step 5
Wrap-Up: Your Organized Future
5 minutes
- Summarize the key takeaways: planners and syllabi are powerful tools for managing schoolwork and reducing stress. Use Planner Power-Up! Slide Deck Slide 8.
- Encourage students to make using their planner a daily habit. Answer any remaining questions.
Slide Deck
Planner Power-Up! Get Organized, Ace Your Classes!
Welcome to your guide to crushing schoolwork and staying stress-free!
Ever feel overwhelmed by assignments?
Let's learn to take control!
Welcome students and introduce the idea of managing schoolwork. Ask them how they currently keep track of assignments. Encourage honest answers.
Your Secret Weapons: Planner & Syllabus
These two tools are your best friends for academic success.
They help you:
- Know what's coming
- Keep track of due dates
- Break down big projects
- Stay on top of your game!
Introduce the main tools for today's lesson: the planner and the syllabus. Emphasize their importance.
What's a Syllabus, Anyway?
It's like a map for your class!
Your teacher gives it to you at the beginning of the semester.
It tells you:
- What you'll learn
- How you'll be graded
- Important rules
- ALL THE DUE DATES!
Explain what a syllabus is and its purpose. Highlight key sections students should look for.
Syllabus Spotlight!
Grab your syllabi!
Let's find some key info:
- Teacher's contact
- Grading policy
- Major project due dates
- Test dates
This is where you find what to put in your planner!
Guide students to look at their own syllabi. Point out where to find assignment information. This is directly related to the Syllabus Scavenger Hunt Worksheet.
Your Planner: Your Personal Command Center
Think of your planner as your academic brain outside your head.
Use it to:
- Write down ALL assignments
- Note project breakdowns
- Schedule study time
- Track your progress
Physical? Digital? Choose what works for you!
Introduce the concept of using a planner actively. Emphasize consistency.
Syllabus to Planner: The Transfer!
Now, let's put it into action!
1. Look at your syllabus for important dates.
2. Open your planner to the correct week/month.
3. Write down assignments, tests, and project milestones.
4. Be specific! "Math HW #3" is better than "Math."
Don't forget to mark when you complete tasks!
Demonstrate how to transfer information from the syllabus to the planner. Give clear examples.
Share Your Tips!
What's one challenge you face with organization?
What's one tip you've learned today or already use?
How can we help each other stay organized?
Facilitate a discussion about challenges and tips for using planners and syllabi effectively. Encourage peer sharing.
Power Up Your Future!
Using your planner and syllabus isn't just about school – it's a life skill!
- Less stress
- Better grades
- More free time
Make it a daily habit. You got this!
Conclude by reiterating the benefits of good organization and encouraging daily planner use.
Worksheet
Syllabus Scavenger Hunt
Instructions: Use one of your class syllabi (or the example provided by your teacher) to find the following information. Write down the answers in the space provided.
Class Information
- What is the name of this class?
- Who is your teacher for this class?
- What is the best way to contact your teacher (email, office hours, etc.)?
Grading Policy
- What categories make up your grade in this class (e.g., tests, quizzes, homework, participation)? List at least three.
- What percentage of your overall grade does homework count for?
- What is the policy for late assignments?
Important Dates & Assignments
- Find at least two upcoming major project due dates or test dates. Write them down with the name of the assignment.
a. Assignment/Test Name:
Due Date:
b. Assignment/Test Name:
Due Date: - Are there any required materials for this class that you don't currently have? (e.g., specific binder, calculator, textbook)
Reflection
- What is one piece of information from the syllabus that you found most helpful for staying organized?
Discussion
Group Discussion Guide: Owning Your Organization
Instructions: Discuss the following questions in your small groups. Be prepared to share some of your group's insights with the whole class.
Discussion Questions
- Current Habits: What are some ways you currently try to keep track of your assignments and school tasks? What works well, and what doesn't?
- Syllabus Superpowers: Before today, how often did you refer to your class syllabi? What new information did you find on your syllabus today that you think will be most helpful for your organization?
- Planner Potential: What are some reasons students might not use a planner consistently? What are some strategies you can use to make planner use a daily habit?
- Teamwork & Tips: Share one specific tip or trick you use (or plan to use) to stay organized. How can classmates support each other in staying on top of their schoolwork?
- Looking Ahead: Imagine it's the end of the semester. How would consistently using your planner and syllabus throughout the semester make a difference in your academic stress levels and performance?
Activity
Planner Practice: Your Organized Week!
Instructions: Now it's time to put your skills into action! Using your own planner (physical or digital) and the class syllabi you just reviewed, complete the following tasks. Your goal is to make your planner a reliable tool for your upcoming week.
Task 1: Transfer Key Dates
Look at your completed Syllabus Scavenger Hunt Worksheet and your class syllabi. Identify at least three important dates, assignments, or events coming up in the next 1-2 weeks for any of your classes.
- Write these three items clearly in your planner. Be sure to include:
- The class name
- A specific description of the assignment/event (e.g., "Science Test - Chapter 3", "English Essay Draft Due")
- The due date or time
Task 2: Break Down a Big Task (If Applicable)
If you have a larger project or assignment due in the coming weeks (even if it's not due this week), think about what smaller steps you could take to complete it. For example, if an essay is due in two weeks, you might schedule "Brainstorm Essay Topic" for this week.
- Choose one larger task and write down at least one preparatory step for it in your planner for this week.
Task 3: Schedule Study Time (Optional but Recommended)
Good organization also includes planning for study time! Think about a class where you might need extra review or homework time this week.
- Schedule at least one 30-minute block of study time for a specific class in your planner this week.
Reflection (Answer in your planner or on a separate sheet)
- How did it feel to actively put these items into your planner?
- What's one benefit you see to doing this regularly?
Teacher Check-in: (Teacher will initial here after reviewing your planner) ____________