Time Management for Middle School Students

In grade school, your teachers closely monitored almost everything associated with your learning. You were told when and how to do everything, from lessons to recess.  Because of this, moving on to middle school can be a real cultural and educational shock. Oftentimes, grades will show a significant drop in the first semester during the adjustment period due to issues related to time management.  Here are some tips to help you prepare for this year.

Get Plenty of Rest

Educators of middle school students always discuss the need for kids to get plenty of rest.  It is very difficult to keep attention in the classroom and spend adequate time on studies, if you are sleepy and droopy first thing in the morning. Teachers can present the material and make sure the classroom is a positive learning environment but you need to make sure the iPods are put away, the television and computer are turned off, or whatever it takes to make sure you are getting an adequate amount of rest for your growing body and brain.  Sleep experts say that you need nine to ten hours of sleep a night because of the biological changes in your body.

Eat Properly

Given the choice, you will probably eat junk food for snacks and skip meals in favor of sleep or social activities.  Research shows students do not think as well without a good breakfast and lunch.  Thus, it is more difficult to pay attention in class and to meet the responsibilities of middle school. Proper nutrition feeds both body and brain and helps the grade in first period.

Set Priorities

Plenty of rest and a proper diet will help you to have the physical and mental abilities to manage your time well; but, the crux of the matter is the not-so-simple task of setting priorities.  Education comes before the phone, friends, and fun.

Simply put, school is a job and you have the obligation to do the work necessary to succeed in the future. Studying is an investment.  A paycheck may not come of it today, but it will make the difference of whether you will grow up to get one tomorrow.

Set priorities!  If you are not intrinsically motivated to do your best,  then you are in trouble. Break down assignments into component parts. Get the homework done.  No excuses. No delay tactics. No blame.  Generally, when you have not completed assignments on time, it is due to one of two scenarios:  the teacher gave in-class time and you goofed off or the homework was assigned several days ago and you waited until the last minute.