What a Mess!

Think about a time when you felt disorganized or overwhelmed by too many tasks. What happened? How did it make you feel?










Now, think about a time when you felt really organized and prepared. How did that feel? What was the outcome?

Your Planning Superpowers Script

Warm-Up: What a Mess! (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Let's start with a quick warm-up. Take a moment to think about the two scenarios on the screen: a time you felt disorganized and a time you felt really organized. How did each situation feel? What was the outcome? You can jot down your thoughts or just think them through. We'll share some ideas in a moment."

Give students about 2-3 minutes to reflect.

(Teacher): "Who would like to share a time they felt disorganized? What happened? How did it make you feel?"

Facilitate a brief discussion, affirming student responses and drawing out feelings of stress or overwhelm.

(Teacher): "Now, how about a time you felt organized? What was that like? How did it feel?"

Facilitate another brief discussion, highlighting feelings of calm, accomplishment, and success.

Introduction & Brainstorm (Slides & Script) (10 minutes)

(Teacher - transitioning to Your Planning Superpowers Slides - Slide 1): "Great job reflecting! Today, we're going to talk about something that can help us all feel more like the 'organized' version of ourselves: organization and planning! Our lesson today is called 'Your Planning Superpowers!' because these skills are truly powerful. Get ready to unlock your inner organizer!"

(Teacher - Slide 2: Why Planning Rocks!): "Why do you think planning is so important? Look at these points on the slide. Has anyone ever felt like they have too much to do, like their brain is a tangled mess of tasks?"

Allow for student responses.

(Teacher): "Exactly! When we plan, we can stress less, get more done, and feel awesome! It’s like having a superpower that makes everything easier. Let's watch a short video that introduces this idea."

Play the video on Slide 2.

(Teacher): "What did you take away from that video? How does it connect to what we just talked about?"

Facilitate a brief discussion.

Your Planning Toolkit: 3 Steps (Slides & Script) (5 minutes)

(Teacher - Slide 3: Your Planning Toolkit: 3 Steps): "So, how do we actually do this planning thing? It might seem complicated, but we can break it down into three simple steps, like a toolkit for your brain!"

(Teacher - Slide 4: Step 1: Know Your Mission): "First, you need to 'Know Your Mission.' This means figuring out exactly what tasks you have. Is it homework? Chores? A big project? The first step is to write them all down. And then, think about what's most important. What needs to get done first?"

(Teacher - Slide 5: Step 2: Break It Down): "Next, 'Break It Down.' Sometimes a task, like 'Write an essay,' can feel HUGE. It's like trying to eat an entire pizza in one bite! But if you break it into smaller steps, like choosing a topic, doing research, writing the introduction, it becomes much easier. Who can give me an example of a big task they could break into smaller steps?"

Allow for student examples.

(Teacher - Slide 6: Step 3: Schedule It!): "Finally, 'Schedule It!' Once you know your tasks and have broken them down, it's time to put them on a calendar or in a planner. Be realistic about how much time things will take, and don't forget to schedule time for fun and relaxation too! Let's watch another short video that shows how this can look."

Play the video on Slide 6.

Reading & Comprehension (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Now that we've gone over the basic steps, I'm going to hand out a reading called The Organized Kid's Guide. This guide has some great tips and tricks for putting these planning superpowers into action. Please read it quietly, and as you read, think about one new strategy you learned or one tip that you think could really help you."

Distribute the reading material and allow 5-7 minutes for students to read.

(Teacher): "Alright, what were some of your key takeaways from the reading? Did anyone find a new strategy they want to try? Let's have a Time-Saving Talk about some of these ideas."

Activity: Plan Your Day Challenge (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "Excellent! Now it's time to put our planning superpowers to the test with the Plan Your Day Challenge! I'll hand out the activity sheet. You'll be given a scenario and a list of tasks for a hypothetical day. Your mission is to plan out the day using the 3 steps we just discussed: Know Your Mission, Break It Down, and Schedule It! Don't forget to factor in school, free time, and sleep. Work with a partner or quietly on your own for about 10 minutes."

Distribute activity sheets. Circulate and assist students. After 10 minutes, bring the class back together.

(Teacher): "How did that feel? What were some of the challenges? What strategies did you use to plan your day?"

Facilitate a brief share-out.

Game: Organize & Conquer! (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Ready for some fun? We're going to play a game called Organize & Conquer!. This game will challenge your planning and prioritization skills. I'll explain the rules as we go. Get into small groups, and let's see which group can best organize and conquer their tasks!"

Explain game rules and facilitate the game.

(Teacher): "Great job, everyone! What did you learn from playing Organize & Conquer? How did your planning strategies help you win, or what would you do differently next time?"

Worksheet: My Planning Playbook (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "You've been doing amazing! To help you keep practicing these skills, I'm giving you a My Planning Playbook. This is a personal worksheet where you can start thinking about your own tasks and how you can apply these planning superpowers to your real life. We'll start it now, and anything you don't finish can be homework."

Distribute worksheets.

Cool-Down: My Superpower Summary (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright, future master planners! To wrap up our lesson, I want you to complete this My Superpower Summary cool-down. On this sheet, please write down one new planning superpower you learned today or one strategy you are excited to try. This will be your exit ticket. Thank you all for your fantastic participation!"

Collect cool-down sheets.

Assessments & Project (Homework/Future Lesson)

(Teacher): "For your next steps, we have a quick check-in quiz called Organization & Planning Check-In that you'll take (either now or next class). To really show off your skills, we'll also be starting a larger My Awesome Planner Project, which will be graded using the Awesome Planner Project Rubric. And for a more comprehensive review, there's the Master Planner Test coming up. Don't worry, we'll go over everything! You can use the Master Planner Answer Key to review your quiz and test results later."

The Organized Kid's Guide: Level Up Your Day!

Hey Super Planner! Ever feel like your day is a tangled mess of homework, chores, and things you really want to do? Don't worry! With a few cool tricks, you can become an organization and planning master. Let's dive into some secrets!

Secret #1: The Brain Dump!

Your brain is amazing, but it's not a storage locker! When you have a million things to remember, it can feel overwhelmed. That's where the Brain Dump comes in. Grab a piece of paper or open a note on your computer. Write down everything you need to do. Don't worry about order, just get it all out of your head! Homework assignments, upcoming tests, chores, appointments, things you want to do for fun – list it all.

Why it works: Getting everything out of your head frees up space and helps you see exactly what you're dealing with. No more forgetting important things!

Secret #2: Break It Down, Buttercup!

Ever stare at a huge project, like a science fair model or a big book report, and think, "How will I ever finish this?!" It's like trying to eat an entire pizza in one bite! The trick is to Break It Down. Take that big task and chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. If your task is "Write a Book Report," your smaller steps might be:

1. Read the book.
2. Take notes on characters and plot.
3. Write an outline.
4. Write the introduction.
5. Write body paragraphs.
6. Write the conclusion.
7. Proofread and edit.

See? Much less scary now! Each small step is easier to start and finish.

Why it works: Small steps feel less overwhelming and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each one. It's like climbing a ladder, one rung at a time.

Secret #3: Time Traveler's Schedule!

Once you know all your tasks (Brain Dump!) and have broken them down (Break It Down!), it's time to become a Time Traveler and schedule them. This doesn't mean you need a fancy machine, just a planner! It could be a paper planner, a calendar on your phone, or even a simple notebook.

Look at your schedule for the day or week. When do you have school? When do you have activities? When do you have free time?

• Block out fixed times: School, sports, dinner, sleep.
• Plug in your tasks: Find open slots for your homework steps, chores, or project work. Be honest with yourself – how long will something really take?
• Don't forget fun! Make sure to schedule time to relax, play, and do things you enjoy. This is important for your brain too!

Why it works: A schedule helps you manage your most precious resource: time! It ensures you make progress on important tasks and still have time for yourself.

Secret #4: The Organized Zone!

Your space can also be a secret weapon! A messy desk or backpack can make you feel disorganized even before you start. Create an Organized Zone for yourself.

• Designate a spot for everything: Your homework papers go here, your books go there, your art supplies have a home.
• Clean up regularly: Spend 5-10 minutes each day tidying up your workspace and backpack. It prevents big messes from forming.
• Label things: If you have bins or folders, label them clearly so you know exactly what goes where.

Why it works: An organized space leads to an organized mind. You'll save time not searching for things and feel more focused.

Your New Superpowers!

By using these secrets – the Brain Dump, Breaking It Down, Time Traveler's Schedule, and the Organized Zone – you'll unlock your own planning superpowers. You'll feel more in control, less stressed, and ready to conquer any challenge that comes your way! Go get 'em, Super Planner!

Time-Saving Talk: Sharing Our Superpowers!

Now that you've read The Organized Kid's Guide, let's discuss some of the awesome strategies you learned!

1. What was one new idea or tip from the reading that you found interesting? Why do you think it could be helpful?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. The reading talked about "The Brain Dump." How do you think getting everything out of your head and onto paper can help you feel less stressed or more organized?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Why is "Breaking It Down" important for big projects? Can you think of a time when breaking a task into smaller steps would have made it easier for you? Share an example.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How can scheduling your time, including fun activities, make your week better? What are some things you would want to make sure you schedule time for?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. What's one small change you could make to your physical space (like your backpack or desk) to make it more organized? How do you think that would impact your day?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Plan Your Day Challenge!

Your Mission: It's Tuesday, and you have a busy afternoon and evening ahead! Use your new planning superpowers to create a schedule that helps you get everything done and still have time for yourself.

The Scenario:

• School ends at 3:00 PM.
• You have soccer practice from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM.
• Dinner is at 6:30 PM.
• Bedtime is at 9:00 PM.

Your Tasks (besides school, practice, and dinner):

• Finish your math homework (takes about 30 minutes).
• Read chapter 3 of your social studies book (takes about 20 minutes).
• Practice your instrument (15 minutes).
• Clean your room (20 minutes).
• Call your friend (10 minutes).
• Relax/Free time (you need this!)

Step 1: Brain Dump & Prioritize!

List all your tasks for the afternoon/evening in the order you think you need to do them, or just brainstorm them here. Which ones are most important?

Step 2: Break It Down (if needed)!

Are any of your tasks too big? Can you break them into smaller steps? (e.g., if "Clean your room" feels too big, maybe it becomes "Put away clothes," "Make bed," "Clear desk").

Step 3: Time Traveler's Schedule!

Now, fill in your schedule for Tuesday afternoon and evening. Use the times given and fit in your tasks and free time. Be realistic!

Tuesday Schedule

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM:


3:30 PM - 4:00 PM:


4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Soccer Practice (Fixed!)
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM:


6:00 PM - 6:30 PM:


6:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner (Fixed!)
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM:


7:30 PM - 8:00 PM:


8:00 PM - 8:30 PM:


8:30 PM - 9:00 PM:


9:00 PM: Bedtime (Fixed!)

Reflection:

• How did it feel to plan out your day? Was it easy or challenging? Why?
  
  
  
• Did you manage to fit in everything? If not, what would you adjust?
  
  
  
• What did you learn about managing your time from this challenge?
  
  
  

Organize & Conquer! Game: Master Your Schedule!

Goal: Be the team that best plans and prioritizes tasks to achieve the highest score.

Players: Small groups (3-4 students per group)
Materials:

• Task Cards (already cut out)
• One "Time Slot Sheet" per group (a blank schedule from, for example, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM in 15-minute intervals, pre-printed)
• Pencils or markers
• Optional: Real-world distractions (teacher-controlled, e.g., a timer unexpectedly going off, a classmate asking a question, to simulate real-life interruptions).

How to Play:

1. Preparation (2 minutes):

   • Each group receives one "Time Slot Sheet" and pencils/markers.
   • Place the shuffled Task Cards face down in the center of your group.
   • The teacher will announce any "fixed appointments" that all groups must add to their schedule (e.g., "Dinner is from 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM"). Students should mark these on their Time Slot Sheet first.

2. The Challenge - Planning Phase (7 minutes):

   • On "Go!", one student from each group flips over the top 5 Task Cards. These are your tasks for the evening!
   • As a team, discuss and decide which of these 5 tasks you will prioritize and attempt to complete within the 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM timeframe. Remember, you cannot do everything, so choose wisely based on priority and duration!
   • Write your chosen tasks into your "Time Slot Sheet," making sure to allocate enough time for each and avoiding overlaps with your fixed appointments.
   • Teacher Note: During this phase, you can introduce optional distractions to challenge their focus (e.g., "A 'friend' just called and wants to chat for 10 minutes! What do you do?").

3. Scoring & "Completion" Phase (Teacher-Led - 5 minutes):

   • Once the planning timer is up, stop writing.
   • Each team will briefly present their planned schedule to the class, explaining their choices and how they prioritized.
   • The teacher will then score each team based on the following:
     • High Priority Tasks: Each successfully scheduled HIGH priority task earns 3 points.
     • Medium Priority Tasks: Each successfully scheduled MEDIUM priority task earns 2 points.
     • Low Priority Tasks: Each successfully scheduled LOW priority task earns 1 point.
     • Realistic Scheduling: -1 point for any overlap or unrealistic time allocation (e.g., math homework taking 5 minutes).
     • Completion Bonus: The team that successfully schedules the most points worth of tasks, with no penalties, earns an additional 5 points.
   • Tally the scores! The team with the highest score wins the "Organize & Conquer!" Challenge!

Discussion Questions after the Game:

• What strategies did your team use to decide which tasks to do first?
  
  
  
• Was it difficult to decide what to leave out? Why or why not?
  
  
  
• How did thinking about the duration of tasks help your planning?
  
  
  
• How is this game similar to or different from planning your real-life day?
  
  
  

Task Cards for Organize & Conquer! Game

Instructions: Cut out each card below. Shuffle them and place them face down for the game.

Task Card 1

Task: Math Homework
Duration: 20 min
Priority: HIGH

Task Card 2

Task: Read 10 pages for Social Studies
Duration: 15 min
Priority: MEDIUM

Task Card 3

Task: Help set the dinner table
Duration: 10 min
Priority: HIGH

Task Card 4

Task: Play outside with friends
Duration: 45 min
Priority: LOW

Task Card 5

Task: Take a shower
Duration: 15 min
Priority: MEDIUM

Task Card 6

Task: Pack backpack for tomorrow
Duration: 5 min
Priority: LOW

Task Card 7

Task: Call your grandparent
Duration: 10 min
Priority: LOW

Task Card 8

Task: Science Project Research
Duration: 40 min
Priority: HIGH

Task Card 9

Task: Practice your instrument
Duration: 20 min
Priority: MEDIUM

Task Card 10

Task: Tidy up your desk
Duration: 5 min
Priority: LOW

Task Card 11

Task: Choose clothes for tomorrow
Duration: 10 min
Priority: LOW

Task Card 12

Task: Write 3 sentences for English class
Duration: 10 min
Priority: HIGH

My Planning Playbook: Your Path to Awesome Organization!

This playbook is all about you! Let's think about how you can use your new planning superpowers to make your days easier and more awesome.

Section 1: My Brain Dump!

What are all the things you need to do in the next few days or this week? Don't leave anything out! (Homework, chores, studying, sports, reading, fun activities, etc.)

Section 2: Breaking It Down!

Look at your list from the Brain Dump. Pick one big task that feels a bit overwhelming. Write it here, then break it down into smaller, easier steps.

Big Task:

Smaller Steps:

Section 3: My Time Slot Practice!

Think about a typical afternoon after school (e.g., 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM). What are your fixed times (dinner, practice)? What tasks from your Brain Dump can you realistically fit in? (Use a separate piece of paper for a full schedule if you need more space!)

Fixed Times:

Tasks I will schedule and when:

Section 4: My Organized Zone!

What is one area in your room or backpack that you want to organize? What is one specific thing you can do to make it more organized this week?

Area to Organize:

My Action Step:

Section 5: My Planning Promise!

What is one planning superpower you promise to try this week? (e.g., "I will use a planner every day," "I will break down my homework into small steps," "I will clean my desk for 5 minutes each night.")

Why is this important to you?

My Superpower Summary: Your Exit Ticket!

Before you go, let's reflect on your new planning superpowers!

1. What is one NEW planning strategy or idea you learned today that you want to try?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How do you think using this new superpower will help you in your schoolwork or at home?
   
   
   
   
   
   

My Awesome Planner Project: Become a Master Planner!

Project Goal: To create and use a personal planner for one week to effectively manage your schoolwork, chores, and free time, demonstrating your new organization and planning superpowers!

Due Date: [Teacher will insert date here]

Part 1: Design Your Planner (Day 1)

1. Choose Your Tool: You can use a physical notebook, a blank calendar, a digital planner app, or even design your own planner pages! The most important thing is that it works for you.
2. Sections to Include: Your planner should have space for:
   • Daily or weekly tasks/assignments.
   • Important dates (tests, project due dates).
   • Fixed appointments (school, sports, music lessons, dinner).
   • Time for fun and relaxation!
3. Personalize It! Make your planner inviting and fun to use. Add colors, stickers, or drawings – whatever makes you excited to open it every day!

Part 2: Populate Your Planner (Day 2)

1. The Big Brain Dump: On the first day of your project week, do a full brain dump. Write down everything you know you need to do for school, at home, and for any activities for the upcoming week. This includes homework, chores, studying, project steps, etc.
2. Break It Down: For any big tasks or projects, break them into smaller, manageable steps and write those steps in your planner on the days you plan to work on them.
3. Schedule It! Fill in your planner for the entire week. Include:
   • Your fixed appointments (school, after-school activities, dinner, bedtime).
   • Specific times for your tasks and assignments. Be realistic about how long things take!
   • Dedicated time for fun and relaxation.

Part 3: Use & Reflect (Throughout the Week)

1. Use It Daily: Refer to your planner throughout the week. Check off tasks as you complete them. Move tasks that didn't get done to another day.
2. Reflect: Each evening, take 5 minutes to look at your planner:
   • What did you accomplish today?
   • What challenges did you face in sticking to your plan?
   • What will you do differently tomorrow?
   • (You can add a small section in your planner each day for these reflections, or keep a separate reflection journal.)

Part 4: Project Submission

On the due date, you will submit:

1. Your completed planner for the week (or copies/screenshots if digital).
2. A short reflection paragraph (5-7 sentences) answering the following:
   • What was the most challenging part of using your planner for a week?
   • What was the most helpful part?
   • Do you plan to continue using a planner? Why or why not?
   • What is one thing you learned about yourself as a planner?

Success Tips!

• Start Simple: Don't try to plan every single minute at first. Focus on the big tasks.
• Be Flexible: Life happens! It's okay if your plan changes. Just adjust and keep going.
• Review Daily: Spend a few minutes each morning to look at your plan for the day.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every task you check off is a victory! Give yourself a mental high-five!

Awesome Planner Project Rubric

Student Name: ________________________
Project: My Awesome Planner Project

Master Planner Answer Key

For Organization & Planning Check-In Quiz

1. What is the first step in effective planning, according to the lesson?

Correct Answer: Know your mission
Explanation: The lesson emphasizes a 3-step toolkit: Know Your Mission, Break It Down, and Schedule It. Identifying all your tasks is the crucial first step.

2. Breaking a big task into smaller steps helps because:

Correct Answer: It makes the task feel less overwhelming
Explanation: Larger tasks can feel daunting, leading to procrastination. Breaking them down makes them seem more manageable and easier to start.

3. Why is it important to schedule time for fun and relaxation?

Correct Answer: It helps your brain rest and recharge
Explanation: Just like your body, your brain needs breaks to function effectively. Scheduling relaxation helps prevent burnout and improves focus when you return to tasks.

4. Describe one way an organized space can help you feel more organized mentally.

Example Strong Answer: An organized space helps you find things faster, reduces visual clutter, and can make you feel calmer and more focused because you're not distracted by mess or searching for items.
Explanation: A clean and tidy environment reduces cognitive load, allowing your brain to focus more on the tasks at hand rather than the surrounding disorder.

5. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = not at all, 5 = very much), how confident do you feel in your ability to plan your homework for next week after this lesson?

Explanation: This is a Likert scale question, assessing student self-perception. There is no single correct answer; rather, the response reflects the student's individual confidence level after the lesson.

For Master Planner Test

1. Which of these is NOT a benefit of good organization and planning?

Correct Answer: More confusion
Explanation: Good organization and planning are intended to reduce confusion, not increase it. They lead to clarity and a sense of control.

2. What does it mean to 'break down' a task?

Correct Answer: To divide it into smaller, manageable steps
Explanation: Breaking down a task involves taking a large, complex task and splitting it into smaller, more achievable components, making it less overwhelming.

3. Imagine you have a big project due in two weeks. Describe how you would use the 'Brain Dump' and 'Schedule It!' strategies to start planning for it.

Example Strong Answer: A strong answer would include: 1. Brain Dump: Writing down all tasks related to the project (research, outlining, drafting, editing). 2. Schedule It!: Transferring these broken-down tasks into a calendar/planner, assigning specific days/times for each step, and accounting for the two-week deadline, including buffer time.
Explanation: The Brain Dump helps gather all necessary tasks, while the Schedule It! strategy ensures these tasks are realistically allocated time within the project timeline, preventing last-minute stress and promoting steady progress.

4. Why is prioritizing tasks important?

Correct Answer: So you focus on the most important and urgent tasks first
Explanation: Prioritization ensures that critical tasks are addressed promptly, preventing them from being overlooked or causing problems due to delays.

5. How confident do you feel about your ability to create and follow a personal schedule for your schoolwork?

Explanation: This is a Likert scale question, assessing student self-perception. There is no single correct answer; rather, the response reflects the student's individual confidence level after the lesson.

Teacher Script: Your Planner Power-Up!

Introduction & Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, Super Students! Get ready to unlock some serious superpowers today. We're going to dive into something that can make your school life, and even your home life, a whole lot smoother: organization and planning!"

Distribute the Warm-Up: Time Travel Tangle or display it on the board.

Teacher: "To kick things off, we're going on a little 'Time Travel Tangle' warm-up. Imagine you forgot something really important. Take a few minutes to think about the questions on your sheet or on the board and write down your thoughts. What happened? How did it feel? What could have prevented it?"

(Allow 3-5 minutes for students to complete the warm-up.)

Teacher: "Alright, let's share a few thoughts. Who would like to tell us about their 'forgotten moment' and how it felt?"
(Facilitate a brief discussion, drawing out feelings like stress, frustration, embarrassment. Connect these feelings to a lack of planning.)

Teacher: "Exactly! Those feelings often come from not being prepared or organized. Today, we're going to learn how to avoid those 'tangled' moments and feel more in control. Look at our Slide Deck: Your Planner Power-Up! now."

(Advance to Slide 1: Your Planner Power-Up! and then Slide 2: Today's Mission: Unlock Your Planning Superpowers!.)

Teacher: "Our mission today is to unlock your very own planning superpowers! By the end of this lesson, you'll understand why planning is important, learn simple steps to organize your tasks, and even create a plan for your week and day. How does that sound?"

Understanding Planning (15 minutes)

(Advance to Slide 3: What Do You Think?.)

Teacher: "Before we go further, let's hear your ideas. What does it mean to be 'organized'? What does it mean to 'plan' something? And why do you think people organize or plan? Think about school, home, sports, or even just hanging out with friends."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to share ideas. Guide them towards concepts of order, preparation, and intention.)

(Advance to Slide 4: Why Plan? The Superpowers Unlocked!.)

Teacher: "Great ideas! Here are some of the incredible 'superpowers' you unlock when you plan and organize: less stress, more free time, better grades, and achieving your goals! Who here would like more free time? Who wants less stress about homework? See! Planning helps with all of that."

(Advance to Slide 5: Your Planning Toolkit.)

Teacher: "Just like a superhero needs a toolkit, a super planner needs one too! We have planners or agendas to keep track of daily and weekly tasks, calendars to see the big picture, and to-do lists to break down big jobs into smaller, manageable steps. Many of you might even use digital tools like apps on a phone or computer to help you keep track of things. Do any of you use these already?"

(Share any physical examples of planners or calendars if you have them.)

(Advance to Slide 6: Step 1: Know Your Tasks!.)

Teacher: "The first step to planning is simple but super important: Know Your Tasks! You can't plan if you don't know what needs to be done. This means writing everything down – homework, projects, chores, after-school activities. And always ask questions: When is it due? What do I need to do first? Then, you prioritize – decide what's most important and what needs to be done today."

Distribute Reading: The Super Planner's Secret.

Teacher: "Now, let's dive into a short reading called 'The Super Planner's Secret.' This will give you some more ideas on how successful planners get things done. You can read it quietly to yourselves, or we can read it together as a class."

(Allow 5-7 minutes for reading. Afterwards, ask a few questions like: "What was one new idea you got from the reading?" or "What does 'eating the frog' mean?")

Practical Application: Activity & Worksheet (20 minutes)

Teacher: "Fantastic! Now that we know why to plan and what tools we can use, let's actually try it. We're going to do an activity called Activity: My Week at a Glance."

Distribute Activity: My Week at a Glance.

Teacher: "On this sheet, I want you to map out your typical week. Think about school time, after-school activities, homework time, family time, and free time. Don't worry about being perfect, just try to get a general idea of how your week usually looks. This helps you see where you have blocks of time to work or play."

(Allow 7-8 minutes for students to fill out the activity sheet. Circulate to provide guidance.)

Teacher: "Great job seeing your week! Now, let's get even more specific. We're going to use a Worksheet: Plan Your Day! to practice planning out a single day. You can choose today, or a busy day you have coming up."

Distribute Worksheet: Plan Your Day!.

Teacher: "Think about all the tasks you identified earlier, especially homework or chores. Use the blank planner on this sheet to write down your schedule, including when you'll do your schoolwork, when you'll have free time, and anything else important. Remember to break big tasks into smaller chunks!"

(Allow 10-12 minutes for students to complete the worksheet. Circulate, offering help and checking for understanding. Emphasize that it's a practice, not a perfect plan.)

Discussion & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

(Advance to Slide 7: Quick Planning Tips! (Video).)

Teacher: "Before we wrap up, let's watch a quick video that shares some excellent tips on planning! This might give you some new ideas or confirm what we've already discussed."

(Play the video from the Slide Deck: Your Planner Power-Up! or a similar age-appropriate video on planning tips.)

Teacher: "Awesome tips, right? Now, let's have a brief Discussion: Planning Pitfalls & Triumphs. What are some challenges you think you might face when you try to plan? And what are some of the 'triumphs' or good things that might happen if you stick to your plan?"

(Facilitate a short discussion, encouraging students to be honest about difficulties and to envision successes.)

(Advance to Slide 8: You've Got This, Planners!.)

Teacher: "Remember, planning is a superpower you can develop! Start small, be flexible, and keep practicing. The more you use these skills, the easier and more effective they'll become."

Distribute Cool-Down: One Planning Perk.

Teacher: "As an exit ticket today, please complete this 'One Planning Perk' cool-down. Write down one benefit of planning you heard or thought about today, and one small way you plan to use a planning tool this week. Hand it in on your way out!"

(Collect cool-downs as students leave.)

Assessment & Extension (Optional Homework/Future Class)

Teacher: "For homework, or during our next session, I have a fun Project: My Dream Schedule for you! You'll design your ideal organized week, and we'll use this Rubric: My Dream Schedule Project to guide you. Also, there's a quick Quiz: Organizational Whiz Check to help you see what you've learned. We'll go over the answers using the Answer Key: Organizational Whiz Check."

Warm-Up: Time Travel Tangle

Instructions: Imagine you could go back in time to the beginning of the week. What is one thing you forgot to do or prepare for that caused you stress or trouble this week?

1. What did you forget? (e.g., homework, a library book, practice gear, a friend's birthday)
   
   
   
   

2. How did it make you feel? (e.g., stressed, embarrassed, frustrated, sad)
   
   
   
   

3. What could you have done before the week started to prevent this from happening? Think about tools or actions you could have taken.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reading: The Super Planner's Secret

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to get everything done? They turn in their homework on time, remember their sports practices, and still have time to play! What’s their secret? They’re super planners and amazing organizers!

Why Planning is Like Having a Map

Imagine you’re going on a treasure hunt. Would you rather wander around hoping to find the treasure, or would you want a map? A map shows you where to go, what obstacles to avoid, and helps you reach your goal faster. Planning is just like that map for your day, your week, and even your whole school year.

Without a plan, your days can feel messy. You might forget assignments, rush through tasks, or miss out on fun because you're stressed about what you haven't done. With a plan, you know exactly what needs to happen and when.

The Three Golden Rules of a Super Planner

Super planners follow a few simple rules:

1. Write It Down, Don't Just Think It!

Your brain is amazing, but it's not a storage locker for every single detail. Trying to remember everything can be tiring! Super planners always write down their tasks. This could be in a:

• Paper Planner/Agenda: A special notebook just for your tasks.
• To-Do List: A simple list of things you need to accomplish.
• Digital Calendar/App: An app on a phone or computer that sends you reminders.

Writing things down frees up your brain to think about the tasks themselves, not just remembering what they are. Plus, it feels great to cross things off a list!

2. See the Big Picture, Then Break It Down

Imagine you have a huge LEGO castle to build. Would you just dump all the pieces on the floor and hope for the best? Probably not! You'd look at the instructions (the big picture), then build it step by step, piece by piece.

Super planners do the same thing. They look at their whole week or month to see big projects or tests coming up. Then, they break those big tasks into smaller, easier pieces. For example, instead of writing "Science Project Due," a super planner might write:

• Monday: Research topic
• Tuesday: Outline presentation
• Wednesday: Create first slide
• Thursday: Practice presentation

Breaking it down makes big tasks feel less overwhelming and easier to start.

3. Schedule Time for Everything (Even Fun!)

This is a big one! Super planners don't just schedule homework; they schedule everything. This includes:

• Homework Time: Specific blocks when you focus on schoolwork.
• Chores/Responsibilities: When you help around the house.
• Activities: Sports, music lessons, clubs.
• Free Time/Fun: Yes, even playing video games or hanging out with friends! When you plan for fun, you enjoy it more because you know your work is handled.

By giving every activity a spot in your schedule, you make sure important things get done and you still have time for what you love.

Get Started Today!

You don't have to be perfect from day one. Start small! Maybe try planning just your homework for one evening, or writing down everything you need to do for school tomorrow. The more you practice, the better you'll become at using your super planning powers to make your life organized, less stressful, and more fun!

Activity: My Week at a Glance

Instructions: Think about a typical week for you. What do you usually do on each day? Fill in the chart below with your regular activities, classes, homework time, chores, sports, hobbies, and free time. Don't worry about being perfect, just try to get a good idea of how your week is generally structured.

Reflection Questions:

1. Looking at your week, what do you notice about how your time is spent?
   
   
   
   

2. Are there any parts of your week that feel very busy or a bit empty?
   
   
   
   

3. Where could you add a block of time for homework or studying if you needed to?
   
   
   
   

4. Where could you add some extra fun or relaxation time?
   
   
   
   

Discussion: Planning Pitfalls & Triumphs

Instructions: Let's have an open conversation about what makes planning tricky and what makes it awesome! Share your thoughts with the class.

Part 1: Planning Pitfalls (Challenges)

• What are some reasons people don't plan, or find it hard to stick to a plan?
  • Prompt 1: "Sometimes I start a plan, but then something unexpected happens and it messes everything up. Does that happen to anyone else?"
  • Prompt 2: "What if you just don't feel like doing what your plan says? How do you deal with that?"
  • Prompt 3: "Is it hard to remember to actually use a planner or look at your schedule? Why do you think that is?"

Part 2: Planning Triumphs (Successes)

• What are some of the good things that happen when you do plan and stick to it?
  • Prompt 1: "Think about a time you did plan something well. How did it feel? What was the outcome?"
  • Prompt 2: "How can planning give you more free time, even though it takes time to make the plan?"
  • Prompt 3: "What's one small success you've had, or hope to have, with planning this week?"

Worksheet: Plan Your Day!

Instructions: Choose a busy day (today or a day this week) and plan it out! Write down your activities, classes, and especially your tasks. Remember to schedule time for homework, chores, and even fun! Use the example below to help you.

Example:

Reflection:

1. What was the easiest part about planning your day?
   
   
   
   

2. What was the hardest part? Why?
   
   
   
   

3. How do you think following this plan might help you?
   
   
   
   

Game: Organize This!

Goal: To quickly and efficiently categorize and prioritize tasks.

Materials:

• Small slips of paper or index cards
• Pens/pencils
• Timer (optional)

Setup:

1. Before the game, prepare 10-15 slips of paper for each small group (3-4 students).
2. On each slip, write down a different task or activity relevant to a 5th/6th grader. Examples:
   • "Math homework due tomorrow"
   • "Clean your room"
   • "Read 30 minutes"
   • "Play outside with friends"
   • "Science project due next week"
   • "Help with dinner"
   • "Pack lunch for tomorrow"
   • "Call Grandma"
   • "Practice piano"
   • "Walk the dog"
   • "Study for Friday's spelling test"
   • "Choose books from library"

How to Play:

1. Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group).

2. Give each group a set of mixed-up task slips.

3. Round 1: Categorize! (3 minutes)

   • Tell groups to quickly sort their task slips into two categories: "School Tasks" and "Home/Personal Tasks."
   • Discuss as a class: Was this easy? Were there any tricky ones? Why is it helpful to group tasks?

4. Round 2: Prioritize! (5 minutes)

   • Now, tell each group to take only their "School Tasks" and arrange them in order from MOST URGENT/IMPORTANT to LEAST URGENT/IMPORTANT. They need to be ready to explain why they prioritized them that way.
   • Teacher Tip: Encourage discussion within groups about deadlines, difficulty, and impact.
   • Have a few groups share their top 3 most urgent tasks and their reasoning.

5. Round 3: Schedule It! (7 minutes)

   • Finally, challenge groups to take all their original task slips (both school and home/personal) and create a mini-schedule for one day (e.g., "After School Hours: 3 PM - 8 PM"). They should try to fit in as many tasks as possible, considering realistic time blocks.
   • Have groups share their schedules and discuss any challenges they faced in fitting everything in. This reinforces the idea of time management.

Wrap-Up:

• Teacher: "What did you learn about organizing and planning from this game? Was it harder or easier than you expected?"
• Emphasize that real-life planning involves constant categorizing, prioritizing, and scheduling.

Answer Key: Organization & Planning

This answer key provides solutions and explanations for the Quiz: Organizational Whiz Check and the Test: Planning Superstar Test.

Quiz: Organizational Whiz Check

1. Which of these is NOT a benefit of good planning?

   • Correct Answer: More chores
   • Thought Process: Good planning actually helps you manage chores more efficiently, potentially leading to fewer chores feeling overwhelming, not more overall. The other options are direct benefits.

2. What is the first step a super planner takes to start organizing?

   • Correct Answer: Write everything down
   • Thought Process: Before you can prioritize or schedule, you need to know what tasks you have. Writing them down ensures nothing is forgotten.

3. Why is it important to break down a big project into smaller steps?

   • Correct Answer: It makes the project feel less overwhelming and easier to start. It helps you see what needs to be done piece by piece.
   • Thought Process: Large tasks can seem daunting. Breaking them into smaller, manageable steps reduces intimidation and provides clear, actionable goals.

4. Which of these tools is best for seeing the big picture of your month, like important due dates and events?

   • Correct Answer: A monthly calendar
   • Thought Process: While sticky notes and to-do lists are good for daily tasks, a monthly calendar provides a broader overview for long-term planning.

5. Name two things you can plan for in your daily schedule besides homework.

   • Correct Answer: Chores, free time, activities/sports, dinner, reading, helping family, relaxing. (Any two of these or similar appropriate responses.)
   • Thought Process: Effective planning includes all aspects of life, not just academics, to ensure balance and prevent conflicts.

Test: Planning Superstar Test

1. What is the primary benefit of using a planner or agenda?

   • Correct Answer: It helps you remember tasks and deadlines.
   • Thought Process: While a planner might indirectly help with other things, its main purpose is to serve as a memory aid and organizational tool for commitments.

2. Describe how breaking a large assignment (like a book report) into smaller steps can help you complete it more easily.

   • Correct Answer: Breaking a large assignment into smaller steps makes it less overwhelming. You can focus on one small part at a time, like choosing a book, reading chapters, outlining, writing a draft, and then revising. This makes the work feel more manageable and helps you stay on track.
   • Thought Process: This question assesses understanding of task chunking and its benefits for motivation and completion.

3. Which of these tasks should generally be prioritized first in your schedule?

   • Correct Answer: Homework due tomorrow.
   • Thought Process: This task has the most immediate deadline and academic consequence. While other tasks are important, schoolwork with a close deadline often takes precedence.

4. How confident are you in your ability to create a daily plan after this lesson?

   • Correct Answer: Varies by student
   • Thought Process: This is a Likert scale question, assessing student self-perception of their readiness to apply planning skills. The correct answer acknowledges that confidence levels will differ among students.

5. Imagine you have a busy afternoon: soccer practice, math homework, and helping with dinner. In what order would you plan these activities and why?

   • Correct Answer: A possible order: 1. Soccer practice (fixed time, usually cannot be moved). 2. Math homework (requires focus, best done before dinner when energy is higher). 3. Helping with dinner (fixed time, but can be done after homework). The 'why' would involve considering fixed commitments, mental energy levels, and family responsibilities. Students should demonstrate logical reasoning for their chosen order.
   • Thought Process: This open-response question requires students to apply prioritization and scheduling skills to a real-world scenario, justifying their choices.

6. If your plan doesn't go exactly as expected, what is the best approach?

   • Correct Answer: Adjust your plan and try again.
   • Thought Process: Planning is a flexible process. Unexpected events happen, and good planners learn to adapt and make changes rather than giving up.

Project: My Dream Schedule

Goal: To design and create an organized schedule for your ideal week, demonstrating your understanding of planning and time management.

Introduction: Now that you've learned about the power of planning, it's your turn to be the master scheduler! For this project, you will design a