Using Time Wisely

Are you using your time wisely in class?
Observe yourself.  Or ask a friend to observe you.

1. My body is paying attention to the teacher.
– I sit up straight without slouching.
– I hold up my head without the help of my hands.
– I look at the teacher.

2. My mind is paying attention to the teacher.

– I try to anticipate what the teacher will say.
– I repeat, in my mind, what the teacher has just said.
– I volunteer answers, especially if I think I might be wrong, so I can learn the truth and memorize it.
– I ask questions if I don’t understand what is said.
– I stay alert for instructions.

3. I work when it’s time to work.
– I know what to do as soon as I enter the classroom.
– I do what I’m supposed to do, when I enter the room, without reminders.
– I don’t need take a break to chat with classmates.
– I quietly get out my supplies and promptly start assignments.
– I concentrate on my assignments in class.
– I don’t try to visit and work at the same time.
– I pay attention to doing assignments neatly.
– I pay attention to using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
– I go over my assignments and correct mistakes before handing work in.
– I check that I’ve neatly put my name, division and the date on my paper.
– I take breaks only when it’s time for a “walk and talk”.

4. I take time to mentally rehearse what I’ve learned.
– After I’ve finished reading information, I go back and read again.
– I read a few sentences and then try to silently repeat facts to myself.
– I check that I correctly remembered the facts.
– Then, I read a few more sentences and try to repeat them to myself.
– I use visual organizers or sketches to help myself memorize facts and organize ideas.

5. I am organized.

– I put my papers in the correct section of my binder after each lesson.
– I hand in work where it is supposed to go.
– I write due dates in my planner.
– I check that I know what I need to finish before I leave class.
– I make sure I have everything I need before I go home.

6. I know what to do if I have a problem.

– If I don’t know what to do . . .
Academically: I go over the instructions again.
Behaviourally: I look at someone who usually knows the right thing to do.

– If I can’t tell where or when I am making mistakes . . .
Academically: I ask the teacher for help.
Behaviourally: I frequently look at the teacher for nonverbal signals.

– If I can’t keep myself on track . . .
Academically: I ask a friend to encourage me and remind me that working to reach goals is worthwhile.
Behaviourally: I ask a friend to remind me of what to do when I start to go off track.

– If I refuse to do my work or behave appropriately . . .
Academically: I don’t complain or make excuses when I get poor grades.
Behaviourally: I don’t complain or make excuses when I face the consequences.

[This page may be copied for use with students if the following credit is provided: ©2010 Sophie Rosen.]

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