Effective Time Management Tools

One of the first actions is deciding on a time management tool you can use together. While students can choose to have two organizers (one for keeping track of their upcoming assignments and another for keeping track of appointments), students should not have more because having too many systems for organizing can be distracting. 

First, what about Google Classroom/ Jupiter? 

• Many students don't use a planner because they get their assignments through Google Classroom/ Jupiter. The challenge with Google Classroom/ Jupiter is that while some teachers post everything on Google Classroom, many continue to give handouts during class. 

• Google Classroom is also not a good tool for keeping track of goals that are not homework (e.g., Google Classroom does not have a place where you can write, "I am going to go see my math teacher at least once next week.) 

• For these reasons, we recommend that students use a planner separately from Google Classroom. In this planner, they should record the homework they are getting on Google Classroom, the assignment they received physically during class, upcoming quizzes/ tests, goals they have for the week, and any application deadlines for students considering fellowships. 

• It is helpful to ask your student to share their screen while they check their Google Classroom. That way, you can verify what they are saying and catch what they may have missed! 

What planners does SBC recommend?

Physical Planner 

• It's the tried and true method for keeping track of upcoming meetings, deadlines, and appointments. While several excellent project management apps are available now, the SBC team feels that the physical planner is still one of the most powerful tools. 

• If you decide to use a physical planner, please let SBC staff know so we can ensure you and your buddy have the same physical planner. We will send you a copy of the same physical planner so you can write down the same information as your student. 

• If your student loses physical items, an app may be a better tool.

Shared Google Document

• You don't need anything fancy to help your student manage their time. A shared Google document that lists all the upcoming assignments and goals could be one of the most powerful tools. 

• You can model your shared Google doc based on the example below. Students can put a checkmark next to (or cross out) something they've already completed! 

If you choose this method, you will want your student to supplement it with Google Calendar so they can remember their appointments. 

Google Calendar

• If you know that your student often forgets to show up to appointments (e.g., he misses the appointment he scheduled with his guidance counselor), Google Classroom can be a powerful tool. 

• Helpful items to put on the calendar: 

• Classes

• Appointments with teachers and guidance counselors 

• The block of time the student plans on studying (this increases the student's likelihood of following through) 

• Tutoring sessions 

• Plans they have with their friends 

• Upcoming assignments and projects 

• Color coordinating the schedule can be a powerful way of visually showing what kind of things the student has to do. 

You can click on the icon to the right of the calendar to access a place where you can write down longer-term goals.

We decided on a system. Now what?

• Check it at the beginning of each session.  

• Open the planner at the beginning of each session. Go over what the student was able to complete. 

• If the student did not meet some goals, ask them what happened and what they could have done differently. Please use neutral and judgment-free language as you do this. 

• Go over the student’s schedule for the upcoming week and build the calendar for the next week, strategizing together. 

• Make sure you can access the same information as your student.

• Have the student screen share their Google Classroom/ Jupiter so you can verify what they are saying.  

• Have them grant you access if you are using a Google document or Google Calendar.  

• If you use a physical planner, SBC will arrange for you two to have the same planners. You and your student should write down the same information after verbally discussing the goals. 

• If you are using a digital tool, make sure the child is getting reminders on their phone.

• Communicate with the student’s parents.

• Please tell the parents how much work the student has to do so they can make sure the work happens at home!