The current emergency situation has forced many people into home schooling, and it is very important to be able to plan your time and needs. Here are five different ideas on how to plan your time more effectively at home, so that everything necessary gets done and your mind remains sharp.
1) Create a daily plan
Start each morning by creating a clear daily plan. Also, write down how much time you would like to spend on each activity. You can include responsibilities, rest time, exercise, and other activities important to you in your daily plan. To create your plan, you can use a notebook, a mobile app, or a whiteboard, for example. Writing down your activities helps you stay on track and avoid things piling up. Of course, it also feels good to cross off completed tasks.
2) One thing at a time
Focus on one thing at a time. It's a known truth that multitasking doesn't get you very far, and doing several things at once is not very effective. Many people believe they can handle multiple activities simultaneously, but in reality, these often end up being done incompletely. If a task seems extensive, divide it into smaller parts. This approach also helps maintain motivation.
3) Remove distractions
To truly get things done, it is important to focus. Close external distractions, such as Messenger, Instagram, TV, etc., which can hinder your concentration. For some people, quiet music helps them concentrate better, while for others, it does not work. Also, try to tackle more difficult tasks in the morning, as brain activity is sharper then, and solutions come more easily.
4) Know your learning style
It's beneficial to know which learning style suits you best. Do you acquire new knowledge most effectively through auditory, visual, or kinesthetic methods? Knowing this allows you to utilize it efficiently to your advantage. You can take a test, for example, on the Saaremaa Co-educational Gymnasium website: https://www.syg.edu.ee/~peil/opi_oppima/stiili_test.html
5) Find time for resting and doing favorite activities
As we spend hours in front of various screens, it's important to also leave time for rest and favorite activities. Be sure to take breaks during studying: stretch, look out the window, or call a friend, for example. Praise yourself when fulfilling your duties. At the end of the day, for example, write down three activities that went particularly well or things you are grateful for today. Also, find time for walking, running, or other forms of physical activity outdoors.
We wish you productive home schooling and hope that we can return to school soon!
