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Your Time, Your Tools!

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Jennifer Clayton

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Your Time, Your Tools!

Students will identify and implement at least two new strategies for organizing their physical space and two new strategies for managing their time effectively.

Effective organization and time management are crucial life skills. Mastering them helps students reduce stress, improve academic performance, meet deadlines, and develop a sense of responsibility and control over their daily routines.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, examples, and a hands-on activity.

Materials

  • Your Time, Your Tools! Slide Deck, - Organization & Time Management Worksheet, and - Cool Down: My Master Plan

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Your Time, Your Tools! Slide Deck and lesson plan.
    - Print copies of the Organization & Time Management Worksheet (one per student).
    - Print copies of the Cool Down: My Master Plan (one per student).
    - Ensure projector/smartboard is ready for the slide deck.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook: What's the Clutter Costing You?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students about challenges they face with organization or time management. (e.g., "Have you ever lost something important because your space was messy?" or "Have you ever felt stressed because you had too much to do and not enough time?")
    - Introduce the lesson title, "Your Time, Your Tools!" and explain that today they will learn practical ways to conquer clutter and take control of their schedules.
    - Present Slide 1 and Slide 2.

Step 2

Taming Your Space: Organization Strategies

10 minutes

  • Use Your Time, Your Tools! Slide Deck (Slides 3-6) to discuss strategies for organizing physical spaces (backpacks, lockers, desks, rooms).
    - Emphasize the importance of having a designated spot for everything.
    - Share quick tips: "One-Minute Rule" (put things away immediately if it takes less than a minute), declutter regularly.
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion: "What's one small change you can make to organize a space in your life?"

Step 3

Mastering Your Moments: Time Management Strategies

10 minutes

  • Transition to time management using Your Time, Your Tools! Slide Deck (Slides 7-10).
    - Discuss creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks (e.g., using a simple A/B/C system), and breaking down large tasks.
    - Introduce the concept of a

Step 4

Worksheet & Wrap-up

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Organization & Time Management Worksheet.
    - Give students 2-3 minutes to begin filling out the worksheet, focusing on one or two strategies they want to try.
    - Conclude by distributing the Cool Down: My Master Plan and asking students to reflect on one key takeaway. Collect these as an exit ticket.
    - Reiterate that consistent effort makes a big difference in developing these habits.
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Slide Deck

Your Time, Your Tools!

Ready to take control of your stuff AND your schedule?

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask a relatable question to get them thinking about challenges with organization and time.

Ever Feel Like This?

Lost your homework?
Forgot an assignment?
Can't find your favorite pen?
Felt stressed about having too much to do?

Encourage a quick show of hands or brief verbal responses. Highlight the benefits of being organized.

Why Organize Your Space?

Less stress, more focus!
Find things easily.
Feels good to be tidy.

Explain why a tidy space is important for learning and reducing stress.

Tip 1: A Place for Everything

Assign a 'home' for every item.
Think: backpack, locker, desk, bedroom.

Introduce practical tips for organizing their physical belongings.

Tip 2: The One-Minute Rule

If it takes less than 60 seconds, do it NOW!
Put away your book, throw out trash, file a paper.

Explain the 'one-minute rule' and encourage daily decluttering.

Tip 3: Declutter Regularly

Once a week, spend 5-10 minutes tidying your main spaces.
Get rid of things you don't need or use.

Emphasize consistency.

Why Manage Your Time?

Meet deadlines.
Less rushing, more calm.
Time for fun and relaxation!
Achieve your goals.

Transition to time management. Ask students why managing time is important.

Tip 1: Create a Schedule

Write down your classes, homework time, chores, and free time.
Use a planner, calendar, or an app!

Discuss how creating a simple schedule can help them visualize their day.

Tip 2: Prioritize Your Tasks

What's most important? What's due soon?
A: Must do today!
B: Should do soon.
C: Can do later.

Introduce a simple prioritization method.

Tip 3: Break It Down

Big project? Break it into smaller, manageable steps.
Do a little each day instead of waiting until the last minute.

Help students understand how to tackle big assignments.

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Worksheet

Organization & Time Management Worksheet

Part 1: Taming Your Space

  1. Think about one area that feels a little messy right now (e.g., your backpack, your locker, your desk, a drawer in your room). Which area is it?




  2. What are 2-3 specific items in this area that are usually out of place?




  3. Using the "A Place for Everything" or "One-Minute Rule" tips, what is ONE small step you can take TODAY to make this area more organized?






Part 2: Mastering Your Moments

  1. Think about your school week. What is one thing you often feel rushed or stressed about because of time (e.g., getting homework done, studying for a test, getting ready in the morning)?




  2. If you were to use the "Create a Schedule" tip, what is one activity you would add to your schedule and when would you do it?




  3. You have a big project due next month. Using the "Break It Down" tip, what are the first two smaller steps you would take this week?






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Cool Down

Cool Down: My Master Plan

My Top Takeaway

What is one new organization or time management strategy you learned today that you are excited to try?





Why it Matters

How do you think this strategy will help you in your daily life or with your schoolwork?





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