Using your time wisely is one of the most important skills a middle school student can learn. With homework, sports, family, friends, and other activities, it can sometimes feel like the day never ends. However, learning to manage time can reduce stress, improve productivity, and give students more opportunities to enjoy the things they love.
One of the best ways to manage time is by creating a way to track all of the things you have to do that day. You can have your schedule there. You can keep your sports schedule, if you’re going to a friend’s house after school, or simply your plans for that day. This helps kids stay organized to let them know if they’re doing anything after school.
Setting priorities is another good way to use your time wisely. Schoolwork should come first, followed by sports, family time, and hobbies. Completing important tasks early gives students more freedom to enjoy their free time without worrying about unfinished responsibilities. TIP—Do not procrastinate!!!
It’s also important to limit distractions. Phones, social media, and television can make it hard to focus, so finding a quiet place to study or setting specific time limits for breaks can help students stay productive. Staying healthy is another part of using time wisely—getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising gives students energy and helps them concentrate better.
I then interviewed people and asked them how they spend their time wisely. Here is what they said.
Stella Hostetler—
I usually try to make lists or write down what I need to do to remember for later. At school, I focus on my homework during free time first, then read if I have extra time. Most of the time, I just have to chug through the work but can get distracted easily. So, I set timers and work until it goes off and take a break to read or do something fun.
Kinleigh Clements—
I tend to struggle with using my time wisely, but if I’m really locked in, I put in my AirPods and listen to music, and it really helps!
Hadassah Dohner—
When or if I do, I listen to music with my AirPods, and either clean my room or work/study for school (not fun!!)
Brady Leman—
I ain’t really good at that.
Max Brown—
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhħħhhhhhhhh, I forget.
Tanner Getz—
I don’t.
Harper Johnson—
I listen to music and set timers for each task I have to accomplish.
