2. Understanding a Schedule

This activity aims to explain a schedule and how to manage time.

Discuss

Today, we’re going to explore time management and scheduling. Managing your time well means using your time in a way that you get things done without feeling rushed or stressed. There are times when we manage time well and times when we don’t. Managing your time well is often about planning out your day, week, or month. It can be overwhelming to manage time, especially if it is something you don’t want to do or if it’s not urgent and can wait. Let’s start by discussing what happens when we don’t manage time well. Can anyone share an example of a time when they felt overwhelmed because they didn’t plan their time well? This can be an example about studying, exercising, doing chores, homework, or other activities. [Note to Instructors: Consider sharing one of your own experiences to help students understand the question.]

Understanding time is important for work because you need to know when to be there. It is your job to make sure you arrive at work on time when your shift starts. Your boss or manager usually decides when you will work, and your schedule might be different each week. This means you need to check your schedule often, so you know what days and times you are expected to work.

Resource

Let’s practice reading a work schedule. Here is a Sample Work Schedule and Questions for Schedule. This can be completed individually or in a group depending on students and time. Take time to review together and feel free to add additional questions or make your own schedule.

Extending the Conversation

Consider your own time in a week. How can you plan for your responsibilities, time commitments and even time for fun? It is important to keep organized using some type of calendar. You may keep your calendar written in a planner or a digital calendar using an app on your phone. If you need a blank calendar option you can do an internet search for free templates or find options here to print: Calendarpedia Weekly Planners.

Fill in your calendar, include class time, work shifts, other responsibilities like appointments, meetings, and activities. Now schedule time to study, for meals, for friends and for yourself. Consider some of these questions as your review your schedule:

Where do you have time left?
Where does your schedule feel too busy?
When do you have time to work on any assignments?
Do you have any time left in your week? How do plan to use that time?