Time is of the essence

As children grow up they naturally become independent managers of their time and schedule. Learning these skills early on will help your child to thrive and study more effectively, says Tutor Doctor’s Piyush Gupta

Here at Tutor Doctor, we know how important time management skills are in order for a child to be successful not only at school but throughout their adult life. That is why we have come up with some ways that you can teach your children how to manage their time efficiently and effectively, all in the comfort of your own home.

Schedule time for homework
It is important to help your child schedule in time for homework and study. Often children think that not being at school means that they can relax and do not have to worry about anything else. Start by breaking down assignments and homework into pieces of work that they can fit into 30-60 minute blocks of time, and schedule these into their planner or family calendar. Explain to them that time is precious and that having a plan of action is the key to success. Before you know it, they will be organising the time they are going to spend on each assignment and writing it into the calendar themselves.

Time-management tools
To effectively manage time, it is important that your child has all the right tools to hand. These include the obvious, like clocks, watches, timers, calendars, planners. For younger kids, planners will probably be most effective. For teenagers, a calendar on their computer that syncs up with their mobile phone will be a convenient choice. Encourage your child to enter notes for everything in their calendars or planners, whether this is homework, a test, an exam or even social activities with friends. By doing so, it will help them see where they have free time. After a few weeks of doing this it will become second nature to them!

Teach self-discipline
Self-discipline is an important life skill and the earlier it is learnt the better. Help your children improve selfdiscipline by giving them the responsibility of managing their own assignments and projects. Letting your child experience the consequences of mismanaging their time will serve as a valuable lesson. Being a positive role model for your child will also be extremely beneficial. If they can see that you manage your time well and do things even when you might not really want to, it will encourage them to follow suit.

Manage sleep and energy
Managing sleep and energy levels is an easy way you can help your child stay on track and stick to their busy schedule. Providing nutritious and whole foods alongside enforcing appropriate bedtimes will help kids stay focused and awake, rather than tired and demotivated. Fresh air and plenty of exercise will also help boost energy levels and encourage a positive state of mind.

Master the X-Skills
Academic success is not built on knowledge alone. Many struggling students are capable of high-level learning, but they struggle as a result of their lack of academic discipline. Tutor Doctor’s approach includes an emphasis on skills known as the Executive Functions – vital components of independent thought and action. These tools are what allow our pupils to become competent and confident students. At Tutor Doctor, we call these vital tools “X-Skills.” Time Management is one of the many X-Skills we teach children during our Academic Gameplan as part of our tuition programme at Tutor Doctor.

Our tutoring programme includes a workbook that helps students tackle skills such as
• Time management
• Organisation
• Prioritisation
• Task initiation
• Focused attention
• Working memory
• Long-term Performance

The X-Skills are capabilities vital to being an independent and self-motivated individual. Learning these skills is not just vital for school; they are vital in work, in personal relationships and life in general. Our home tutors work on developing your child’s X-Skills while supplementing their classroom learning. As a result, our pupils become well rounded and prepared for success in any endeavour. Our tutors understand the stress students feel when they are provided with knowledge without the tools required to apply it. No matter your student’s age, background or skill level, they can benefit from the Academic Gameplan.

Tutor Doctor Tutor Doctor offers tutoring services to all ages, levels and subjects. 01733 530461, www.tutordoctor.co.uk/success  

Image: www.freepik.com/free-vector/businessman-with-watch_757641