Habits & Routines: Productivity Systems: Time blocking, the Pomodoro technique, to-do lists, etc.

Get More Done! Tips for Using Your Time Wisely

Learning Goals:

• Learn new words about planning your time.
• Talk about ways to be more productive.
• Read about different ways to manage your time.
• Listen to advice about time management.
• Write about how you plan your day.

Key Words:

• Time management: Making a plan for your time so you can do more.
• To-do list: A list of things you need to get done.
• Schedule: A calendar showing when you will do each task.
• Procrastinate: To wait until the last minute to do something.
• Pomodoro Technique: A way of working where you focus for a short time, then take a break.
• Time blocking: Scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks.

Let’s Talk About It!

1. Do you ever feel like there’s not enough time in the day?
2. What are some things that distract you from doing your work? (Phone, TV, friends, etc.)
3. Do you use a to-do list or calendar to help you get organized?

Let’s Read!

Many people have trouble managing their time. They start one task, then get distracted by another. Or they wait until the last minute to do everything. This can make them feel stressed and overwhelmed. But there are ways to get more done!

Listen and Learn!

(Teacher plays a short clip of someone explaining the Pomodoro Technique. Focus on how it breaks down work into smaller chunks with breaks in between.)

Talk with a Partner!

One of you is a student with too much homework. The other is a friend giving advice on how to get it done.

Example:

• Student: “I have so much homework, I don’t know where to start!”
• Friend: “Make a list of everything you have to do. Then, pick the most important thing and start with that. Maybe try the Pomodoro Technique and work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.”

Homework:

Write a short paragraph about your daily schedule. What are the most important things you need to do each day? When do you usually do them?

Extra Fun:

Make a colorful to-do list for tomorrow. Include all the things you want to accomplish, even small tasks like making your bed or calling a friend.