Difference between revisions of "Focus on Homework"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Making A Homework Action Plan=== | ===Making A Homework Action Plan=== | ||
| − | #Write down all of your assignments in your notebook or planner. This way you will have a list of what you need to complete.<ref>http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school/homework.html#</ref> | + | #Write down all of your assignments in your notebook or planner. This way you will have a list of what you need to complete.<ref name="rf1">http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school/homework.html#</ref> |
#*Before leaving school, make sure you understand the assignment. | #*Before leaving school, make sure you understand the assignment. | ||
#*Ask your teacher for clarification about what you are supposed to do, when the assignment is due, and how it will be graded. | #*Ask your teacher for clarification about what you are supposed to do, when the assignment is due, and how it will be graded. | ||
#*Ask how long each assignment should take, so you can plan to budget your time. | #*Ask how long each assignment should take, so you can plan to budget your time. | ||
| − | #Prioritize your assignments. Tasks which are worth a higher percentage of your grade or that are more challenging should be completed first.<ref | + | #Prioritize your assignments. Tasks which are worth a higher percentage of your grade or that are more challenging should be completed first.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Look at your assignment list. | #*Look at your assignment list. | ||
#*Rank each assignment in terms of importance. | #*Rank each assignment in terms of importance. | ||
#*Plan out how much time you need to spend on your homework for the evening. | #*Plan out how much time you need to spend on your homework for the evening. | ||
#*Decide in what order you will complete your assignments. | #*Decide in what order you will complete your assignments. | ||
| − | #Plan your time. Most students have between 1 to 3 hours of homework every evening and often finish their homework when they get home. <ref | + | #Plan your time. Most students have between 1 to 3 hours of homework every evening and often finish their homework when they get home. <ref name="rf1" /> |
#*If you have after-school activities in the late afternoon, you will need to set aside a different time. | #*If you have after-school activities in the late afternoon, you will need to set aside a different time. | ||
#*Plan to sit down and start your homework at a specific time. Budget enough time for each assignment. | #*Plan to sit down and start your homework at a specific time. Budget enough time for each assignment. | ||
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#*Dimly lit rooms are not good choices for a homework area. | #*Dimly lit rooms are not good choices for a homework area. | ||
#*Without good lighting you are likely to be tempted to fall asleep or have a wandering focus. | #*Without good lighting you are likely to be tempted to fall asleep or have a wandering focus. | ||
| − | #Pick an area that has a table or desk. It doesn't have to be very large, but just big enough for your computer and study materials.<ref | + | #Pick an area that has a table or desk. It doesn't have to be very large, but just big enough for your computer and study materials.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Make sure you have a good, supportive chair to sit on. | #*Make sure you have a good, supportive chair to sit on. | ||
#*Avoid sitting on a bed or soft sofa. These are not ideal surfaces to work on. | #*Avoid sitting on a bed or soft sofa. These are not ideal surfaces to work on. | ||
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#*Avoid working in an area where other people are likely to be making noise, like a living room or kitchen. | #*Avoid working in an area where other people are likely to be making noise, like a living room or kitchen. | ||
#*You can play music in the background if it will help to drown out other annoying noises that will distract you. Stick to something neutral like classical music so you aren't tempted to listen too closely. Try not to use music with lyrics. | #*You can play music in the background if it will help to drown out other annoying noises that will distract you. Stick to something neutral like classical music so you aren't tempted to listen too closely. Try not to use music with lyrics. | ||
| − | #Bring a snack and drink with you into your study space. You will be less tempted to leave your space to get these items if you already have them at hand.<ref | + | #Bring a snack and drink with you into your study space. You will be less tempted to leave your space to get these items if you already have them at hand.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Having a snack with you can help you avoid distraction from being hungry. | #*Having a snack with you can help you avoid distraction from being hungry. | ||
#*Keep your snacks light and healthy. Junk food is not a good choice when you are studying or doing homework. | #*Keep your snacks light and healthy. Junk food is not a good choice when you are studying or doing homework. | ||
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===Maintaining Focus=== | ===Maintaining Focus=== | ||
| − | #Turn off any electronics. You won't want any of these to distract you.<ref | + | #Turn off any electronics. You won't want any of these to distract you.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Log out of any social networks such as Snapchat, Tumblr, or Instagram. | #*Log out of any social networks such as Snapchat, Tumblr, or Instagram. | ||
#*Turn off any instant messengers on your phone. | #*Turn off any instant messengers on your phone. | ||
#*Turn off your computer, unless you need it for your homework. | #*Turn off your computer, unless you need it for your homework. | ||
#*Keep your cell phone turned off or in another room when you work. | #*Keep your cell phone turned off or in another room when you work. | ||
| − | #Tell your family you are working. They will help to make sure they don't distract you.<ref | + | #Tell your family you are working. They will help to make sure they don't distract you.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*If you have younger siblings, ask your parents to make sure they don't bother you as you do your work. | #*If you have younger siblings, ask your parents to make sure they don't bother you as you do your work. | ||
#*Make sure you tell them how long you plan on working. | #*Make sure you tell them how long you plan on working. | ||
#*Keep your parents informed on what your assignments are and if you are struggling in a particular subject. | #*Keep your parents informed on what your assignments are and if you are struggling in a particular subject. | ||
| − | #Choose to work at time when you will focus best. Most people have a time of day that works best.<ref | + | #Choose to work at time when you will focus best. Most people have a time of day that works best.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*If you are tired and distracted late in the evening or right after dinner, that might not be the best time to work. | #*If you are tired and distracted late in the evening or right after dinner, that might not be the best time to work. | ||
#*You may have to experiment with this by trying different times to see when you concentrate best. | #*You may have to experiment with this by trying different times to see when you concentrate best. | ||
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#*Work in 30 minute to 1 hour intervals. You will need to take a couple of minutes as a break in between assignments to avoid distraction. | #*Work in 30 minute to 1 hour intervals. You will need to take a couple of minutes as a break in between assignments to avoid distraction. | ||
===Completing Your Homework=== | ===Completing Your Homework=== | ||
| − | #Look at your homework plan. Review each assignment and see if you need to make any adjustments to the time or order of assignments.<ref | + | #Look at your homework plan. Review each assignment and see if you need to make any adjustments to the time or order of assignments.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*You should complete the most difficult tasks first. | #*You should complete the most difficult tasks first. | ||
#*You are more likely to concentrate well at first, with your attention wandering towards the end of your homework time. | #*You are more likely to concentrate well at first, with your attention wandering towards the end of your homework time. | ||
#*Later, when you are more tired, you can do easier assignments. | #*Later, when you are more tired, you can do easier assignments. | ||
#*Keep your homework list accessible while you are working. | #*Keep your homework list accessible while you are working. | ||
| − | #Ask an adult or classmate for help if you get stuck. Make sure it is not someone who will distract you from finishing your assignment.<ref | + | #Ask an adult or classmate for help if you get stuck. Make sure it is not someone who will distract you from finishing your assignment.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Everyone gets stuck from time to time on a difficult problem or task when they are doing homework. | #*Everyone gets stuck from time to time on a difficult problem or task when they are doing homework. | ||
#*Calling a classmate briefly or asking someone for help can assist you in avoiding becoming frustrated. | #*Calling a classmate briefly or asking someone for help can assist you in avoiding becoming frustrated. | ||
#*When you are frustrated, it is more likely that you will become distracted and procrastinate on your homework. | #*When you are frustrated, it is more likely that you will become distracted and procrastinate on your homework. | ||
| − | #Cross off your assignments as you complete them. This will help you feel accomplished.<ref | + | #Cross off your assignments as you complete them. This will help you feel accomplished.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*This will help you visualize where you are in terms of how much work you need to get done. | #*This will help you visualize where you are in terms of how much work you need to get done. | ||
#*It will help you budget your time as you work. If an assignment took longer than expected, you can adjust your time as you go. | #*It will help you budget your time as you work. If an assignment took longer than expected, you can adjust your time as you go. | ||
