10/16/19
Last week I shared the characteristics of a Sincere Slacker. This week we will discuss how to help them (and all) students get their work done more efficiently. Here are some strategies I have used myself (sometimes to get this newsletter written).
Strategies:
Prioritize - Remind your student to use their written planner to know what needs to be done and complete the most important item first. I personally make a list of everything I need to complete and then prioritize from there.
Monotasking - Now that your student has a planner and designated a time and place for homework, we want them to focus on one thing at a time without distractions. Multitasking causes stress. Though it appears we are completing a high quantity of tasks, the quality often suffers. We tend to spin our wheels and not do anything very well if we are multitasking. Instead, students should monotask. The cell phone should be put away in a different room, and the TV should be off. Their computer can be used if it is for homework, but you will have to keep a close eye on them because the temptation for YouTube or other social media will be there.
The Pomodoro Technique (Google it for more specifics) - We have all sat around and stressed over what we needed to get done. In our stress, we turn to a “stress-reliever” like scrolling social media or watching TV, which really ends up being a distraction and leads to procrastination and more stress. The Pomodoro Technique has helped me be a person of action and get work done. Here are the basics of this technique:
No phone, social media, TV, music, etc. while working. (This will be a huge change for most students)
Twenty-five minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break then back to work. Doing this four times a night results in two hours of focused, productive homework time. (Remember these are suggestions, your student may only need one hour for homework per night, adjust as needed.)
During the break, still no social media/phone, otherwise that five-minute break turns into 30+ minutes
Work ahead - So, what happens when you hear: “But I don’t have any homework tonight”?
Have your student work ahead. With our block schedule, there is likely homework that can be done for the classes attended that day but not due for two days.
Ask your student about any long-term projects or upcoming tests. If they don’t have immediate homework, it would be a good time to get a head start on studying or working on those projects.
Implementing these strategies can cut your Sincere Slacker’s homework time from four hours into two, making them more productive and leaving them extra time to do the things they want.
(Give these strategies a try in your own life. The best way to teach your student to use their time is to set an example for them. Then compare notes on what works best for each of you, opening up positive conversation between you and your teen.)
Ideas in the newsletter are taken from "Social Media Wellness" by Ana Homayoun
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