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It can be difficult to teach students how to use a planner effectively.
Some students prefer a more visual approach, while others prefer written instructions.
In this blog post, we will provide tips and tricks for how to teach students to become successful planners!
The benefits of using a planner are numerous. They can help develop organization skills and good habits, increase awareness of time management, and help reduce stress levels.
Staying organized is key for any student trying to balance schoolwork with a social life and, for some, a job. A planner can help by providing a space to track goals, homework assignments, and upcoming tests or examinations. Planning can also help reduce stress by providing a way to see at-a-glance what needs to be done and when it needs to be completed by. Additionally, keeping track of homework and assignment deadlines in a planner can lead to better grades and fewer missed assignments. And finally, looking back through a planner at the end of the school term or year can help students reflect on their achievements and set new goals for the next term.
As a teacher, you can encourage your students to use a planner by making it fun and setting goals. You can also reward them for using their planner properly. Student planners can also be used to track goals, both big and small. When students see the tangible benefits of using a planner, they will be more likely to continue using one even after they leave your classroom.
How Do You Teach Students to Use a Planner?
There are a number of ways that you can teach your students to use a planner. The most important thing is to model the behavior yourself. Let your students see you using your own planner on a daily basis. Explain to them why you find it useful and how it helps you stay organized.
- Brainstorm – Start by having students brainstorm upcoming exams, assignments, and other important deadlines. This will help them to get everything down on paper and start to see how a planner could be useful.
- Break it Down – Next, help students to categorise and break down their list into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it easier for them to see how using a planner can help them accomplish their goals.
- Develop Habits – Teach students good habits such as recording homework and assignments in their planner as soon as they get them. This will help to ensure that nothing is forgotten and that deadlines are met.
- Colour-Coding – Encourage students to use colour-coding or other visual aids like doodles to help them keep track of different tasks. This will make it easier for them to see at-a-glance what needs to be done and when. For example, they could use blue for tests, red for assignments, and green for extra-curricular activities.
- Regular Reviews – Finally, encourage students to review their planner regularly. This will help them to stay on track and make any necessary adjustments to their schedule.
Visual Aids
Some students prefer a more visual approach when it comes to planning. If this is the case, consider incorporating some of the following visual aids into your lesson:
- A large wall calendar that everyone can see. This can be used to track deadlines and upcoming events.
- A whiteboard where students can see their tasks for the week. This will help them to visually see what needs to be done and when.
- Posters or infographics that explain how to use a planner effectively. These can be hung up in the classroom for students to reference as needed.
Troubleshooting
If your students are having trouble getting into the habit of using their planner, try setting a goal for the week or month. For example, they could aim to check their planner every day before lunch, or they could pledge to use it to track their homework for one week.
Encourage students to share their planner tips and tricks with each other. This will help them to feel more invested in using their planner and see how it can benefit them.
If you notice a student isn’t using their planner, try to help them come up with an holistic plan that works for them. Don’t force them to use it, but let them know that you’re there to help if they need it.
Remember, planners aren’t for everyone and some students will prefer other methods of organisation. The most important thing is to find what works best for your students and help them to develop good habits that will last a lifetime.
For the students who find a planner useful, they can be a great tool for staying organised and on track. You will be teaching an important life skill that will benefit many areas of their lives, both now and in the future.
What Are Academic Diaries?
Academic diaries cover the school year and usually start in August or September. They’re great for staying on top of homework and assignments.
Check out our post for some more great benefits and uses for academic planners.
Golden Rules
- Make it fun! Add stickers, washi tape, and other fun elements to make the planner more visually appealing. This will help encourage students to use it on a regular basis. The last thing you want to do is make it seem like a chore or another piece of homework.
- Develop good habits. Teach your students write down homework assignments and upcoming tests as they are received.
- Set realistic goals. Help your students set realistic goals for themselves and their planner usage. For example, a goal could be to use the planner every day for a week or to fill out the planner. Work with your students to set goals for the week, month, or semester. This will help them stay on track and motivated to use their planner.
- Track progress. Help your students use their planner to track both big and small goals. This will show them the tangible benefits of using a planner on a regular basis.
- Help them find what works for them. Some students prefer a more visual approach, while others prefer written instructions. Work with your students to find what system works best for them and their planner usage.
- Don’t force it. Not every student will want to use a planner. If a student is resistant to using one, don’t force it. Instead, try other methods of helping them stay organised, such as an online system or a whole class calendar.
Teaching your students how to use a planner can be a challenging but rewarding process. By modeling the behavior yourself and providing support along the way, you can help your students develop important skills that will benefit them long after they leave your classroom.
Goal Setting for Students
To read more about he benefits of planning for students check out our post exploring why goals are important for students.
We hope these ideas help your students develop successful planning habits. It’s important to find what works best for each individual and to provide encouragement along the way. If you’re looking for a tried and true method for getting your students organized, check out our academic planners. They come with tons of helpful features like monthly and weekly views, space for notes and assignments, and more!
Academic Planners
Check out our academic planners available in a range of formats to suit your preferences. They’re available in day on a page or week on 2 pages layouts. Purchase our paper planners via Amazon or buy our printable planner bundle from our Etsy store.
2022 – 2023 Academic Diaries
