Middle School: Top ten tips to manage your time effectively

Being able to manage Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and two connection classes can be a lot for the new Middle School student. It would be hard for any adults that do not have time management skills. Today, I want to share with you what I think are easy to do time management skills that will allow Middle School students to get good grades and still have time for extracurricular activities. Remember nothing is free. You have to put in the work to make this work for you.

1.

MAKE A TO DO LIST

Making a simple to do list can get you organized heading into your day. When you complete a task check it off the list. This is the most simplest way to get yourself organized and to use your time the most effectively. It doesn’t have to be extremely detailed. You just need to write enough to jog your memory about what you need to get done.

2. Difficult items first.

Doing the difficult task first will allow you to start your day with a fresh mind and relaxed. I know sometimes it might not be easy to accomplish the hardest task first, but make an attempt and who know you might get it done and the rest will come easy. The task is to hard to finish then set it aside and go on to your next task. Just make sure you put it back on your to do list at the bottom.

3.

Use Time Wisely

Get the most out of the spare time that you have on your hands. If you have time between classes work on your other class work. Riding in a car going to dance class, use that time to get in some studying. Eating breakfast in the morning might be a good time to catch up on some study review for the day so you are prepared for class. Make the most of you time. Time spent on you phone in social apps can be used to get caught up on your studies.

4. Review your Notes Every Day

I mentioned this in the last time management tip, but I feel this one is vital to having a successful day. If you read over and review your notes daily, you will be prepared for class and you might impress your teacher. If all the students in the class were prepared for class the teacher might assign less homework because you actively listen in class and retain the information distributed in class.

5. It is okay to say “NO.”

If you are asked to do something and you do not think you will have enough time to do your assignments, it is okay to say no. There are only so many hours in the day and you have to prioritize what is the most important priority on your to do list. It might be a good time for you to ask if someone can help you if you do not think you can get it done by yourself.

6.

Finding out what works best for you.

Are you a morning person or a night person? Do you work better after eating a meal or on an empty stomach? Do you work better as an individual or as a team? These are a few of the questions that might come up as you figure out what works best for you. Sometimes you might have to think about things differently and consider ways to do the items on you to do list that will be the most productive.

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7. Getting a good nights sleep.

Do you find yourself waking up looking at the inside of a textbook or next to your computer? You might not be getting enough sleep. You need good quality sleep. This should be a priority on your to do list. You need 8 or more quality hours of sleep every night. 8 hours means that if you have to be up at 6 AM you need to be in bed between 930 – 10 PM. It allows your brain an opportunity to reset and refresh for the start of a new day and the new challenges put upon you.

8.

Let Others Know when you are busy.

You have things you have to do to take care of yourself. You are no good to anyone else if you don’t do maintenance on yourself. It is okay to let others know that your schedule is full and that you cannot take on anymore tasks. Make sure you have “You Time” on your to do list, but not so much that you never get anything else done. You have to figure out the balance that is right for you.

9. Control your Time.

Figure out how much free time you have and give yourself some of that time. Use that time effectively. Set deadlines for yourself to get things on your agenda done. This might take some time to figure out but it will be worth it in the end. Time is money. Control you time.

10. Do not waste time agonizing.

Do not waste a entire evening agonizing over a task that you might be able to accomplish by your deadline. Make some phone calls or ask for someones help. Talk to your teacher about what they can do to help you understand what needs to be done. If you are putting forth the effort, any teacher will help you. Good time management skills will set you apart from the competition and show you have a burning desire to be more than average. Once again do not be afraid to seek out assistance from your teacher.

Starting in the 6th grade and understanding how to effectively manage your time will allow you to have a blast in middle school. You will have more time for yourself and the activities that you love to do when you can get your school work and chores done in a timely manner. Just try these tips and in no time you will be having more time on your hands.

coachjd

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Middle School: The first week excitement

Students and Teachers are starting school this week all across the country. Some schools districts have decided to delay a few more weeks but school is starting back up all across the country. The start of a school year is an exciting time for everyone. You get an opportunity to start fresh all over again and the possibilities are limitless. Maybe you got that new haircut or those new clothes to start off the new year. You walk in with an air of confidence that you have never had to start a school year. This is going to be your year. You are shy and have never really made an effort to have many friends, but you sit next to someone that just wants to talk to you everyday. You become friends and the world changes. This is a positive blog and we are going to leave negativity and dark visions right where the need to, checked at the door and not allowed up in here. So I just wanted to go over a few obsevations I see every year that will make that first week a great experience for child and parent. Let jump in with two feet.

Don’t Be Late the First Week

When you arrive to school it is going to seem like this picture. Cars are everywhere. It will be a little intimidating at first, but that is expected. Know that your school admin have taken this into consideration. Follow the direction of the staff and admin to get your child safely into the building. Check the night before to make sure you know what time school starts and get there early so you will not feel overwhelmed or rushed. Students that ride the bus. You need to be at your bus stop 8 to 10 minutes before your anticipated time of bus arrival. Parents be nice to the teachers, remember this is their first day of a new year. They probably had to find someone to take their child to school the first day and they are nervous as well.

You don’t need to bring everything you bought for school to school on the first day.

The teachers and students main objective on the first day is to get acclimated to each other. Teachers get into a routine of getting to know all the different personalities that will be teaching for the next 180 days. Students learning the rules of the classroom, getting papers for parents to sign, and learning their schedule for where they need to be and what time they need to be there. The first day is overwhelming at times, but more so when you haven’t even been assigned a locker. All you need the first day is a Binder to put papers in and pen or pencil to write with. That is all any student will need the first day. Probably the first few days. The teacher will inform the student in the initial class what they need for supplies.

Safety is Paramount.

This new year brings about safety precautions that noone has dealt with in our lifetime. It is important to follow the rules that have been set in place by your school admin and school district. There will be a set time for rest room breaks, times to wash hands, masks might be mandatory in your school. It doesn’t matter if you want to or not. It is about the safety of everyone else not just you. Do what you are asked of when it comes to safety because safety is paramount.

Parents or students email teachers if you have question after the first day.

Sometimes that light bulb doesn’t come on and you feel overwhelmed with all that is going on. It is ok. Think positive. If you are not sure of something important that was said and you want to remember or want to tell your parents then e-mail your teacher. Just about every teacher has given out a syllabus that give grading policies and expectations for their class. On that syllabus is the teacher email. I can almost guarantee it. Teachers love email questions. Teachers check their email two to three times a day and probably two to three times at night. Do not call teachers. They have families of their own at home and are trying to find out how their day went. When a teacher settles in they often will check their school email. Be patient the answer will be coming soon after.

Take notes.

Notice I didn’t say good notes. It doesn’t matter what kind of notes. Take notes all day long about whatever you hear. Notetaking is a value trait. It is a skill many successful people use. Always carry something to write with. Always take notes. You never now when you will learn something you didn’t know and you want to remember it. Take Notes. It will help you remember. That is the purpose of school, correct.

Know where you live and how you are getting home from school

You would be surprised how many students do not know their address for their home. You would be surprised to know that students do not remember the number of the bus they rode to school on that morning, so they can go home in the afternoons. Students memorize your address and your bus number. The teacher will be glad to help you but you have to meet them halfway. Know your home address.

Finally, Remember your school schedule

Teachers can get you to where you need to go if you can tell them the name of the class or teacher you are reporting to. It is hard for a teacher to read your mind. They will have to go get on a computer, take their attention away for 18 to 20 other students just to get you to where you need to be. Teachers don’t mind they will do it, but it would be so much easier if every child remembered or wrote down their schedule.

The new school year is here and the excitement is in the air. Teachers are ready to receive your children and I believe student are ready to learn. Teachers and students help each other out by being patient this year. It is a new school experience for everyone this year. Let’s make it a positive one we will never forget, because we got it done together.

coachjD

Middle School: Up your experience by developing these 4 types of Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene is one of few things you have complete control of as you move through middle school and into high school. Your elementary days are long gone. The days of only worrying about washing your hands and a quick brush of the teeth are gone. You are approaching puberty faster than a speeding car and there are no brakes. You are hitting puberty at a time when we are living with COVID-19. It is OK. Let me tell you of four easy steps that will make middle school life easy for you on the personal hygiene front.

But before I do that let me tell you some of the reasons personal hygiene is important in every day life. Personal hygiene is the cleaning of and caring of your body. Keeping your body clean is vital to combat illness. Promoting your cleanliness will help prevent illness for you and those you come into contact with daily. Good personal hygiene will help improve you self-image and self-esteem. Personal hygiene has never been more important than it is in today’s society.

These 4 types of personal hygiene make the transition to middle school easier.

Skincare

Skin of preteens and teens in most cases get oilier as the move into puberty. The oily skin traps dust and dirt and serves a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Common teenager skin problems that come with oily skin is acne and blackheads.

SOLUTION: Teenagers should establish a regular routine of washing their face with mild soap and water every night before bed.

Nailcare/Handcare

Your nailcare does not have to be as like the picture, but you need to take care of cleaning your nails regularly. Fingernails are the prime breeding ground for germs. The germs are easily transferred to the mouth while eating. During Covid-19 we have been told to not touch our mouth, eyes, or nose because hands and fingernails carry germs.

SOLUTION: Wash hands regularly with antibacterial soap and water for 20 seconds at a time. Regular soap is fine if that is all that is available. The extra mile can be using a nail brush to get the extra dirt out from under the nails.

Oral Care

Bad breathe is huge problem in middle school. Kids need to make a routine of brushing their teeth at a minimum of twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening. These should be part of a daily personal hygiene routine. Poor tooth brushing can also lead to tooth decay.

SOLUTION: Brush and floss teeth twice a day in the morning and evening. At school rinse mouth with water or mouthwash after any meal. Keeping breath mints with you can help after you eat foods that cause bad breath.

Bathing

Body odor develops due to onset of puberty and the development of sweat glands. Odors often happens in the armpits and the genital area because we keep those area covered allowing an avenue for bacteria to grow. The bacteria we have on our body feeds of the sweat causing body odor.

SOLUTION: Taking a shower or bath once a day or after activity that causes you to sweat will help eliminate sweat and unwanted odor causing bacteria. Use of an antiperspirant (deoderant) to control sweat can be done first thing in the morning. Most deoderants last for 12 hours.

No matter what your child says. AXE body spray is not deoderant. Only one spray is needed. It acts like cologne but cheaper. Kids feel a need to use the whole bottle at one time. Also, perfume, cologne, hairspray, and makeup are not necessary personal hygiene products. They are extras.

Talking to your child at the onset of puberty makes it easier to deal with an often times difficult time in a child’s life. Puberty is not easy, but having good personal hygiene habits are good for the rest of your child life. Reinforce those habits now and your child will have an easy middle school experience as far as their personal hygiene goes. Who know they might gain self confidence and build their self esteem due to healthy hygiene habits started early on.

coachjD

Middle School: Prevent conflict in 4 easy steps

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Love you and God Bless.

coachjD