Deadlines are a part of life. Whether it’s turning in a homework assignment or meeting a deadline for a project, being able to manage time is a skill that every student needs to learn. However, many students struggle with this skill, as do many adults. Between busy schedules, distractions, and procrastination, many students find themselves waiting until the last minute to meet their deadline.
By teaching students a few strategies on how to stay organized and manage their time, you are setting them up for success not only in the classroom but also in their everyday lives.
Here are a few strategies that work for all grade levels and can be adapted for any learning style and ability.
Break Down Large Assignments
Big assignments can overwhelm students. Teach them how to break these larger, longer assignments into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help them stay on track and feel less intimidated.
For example, if students have one month to complete a research project, show them how to break it up into steps such as brainstorming, writing an outline, finding resources, writing a draft, revising, and so on. You can even give them short deadlines for each step to help give them a sense of progress and reduce some stress.
Together as a class, create a checklist or calendar so they can see what’s next and check off as they complete each step. This visual can help make the large assessment feel more attainable.
Teach Time Management
Time management is something that needs to be taught. Even as an adult, you can probably think of a time when you put something off until the last minute or misjudge how long something would take.
That’s why it’s so important to help kids learn how to estimate the time they need for a task. Many kids underestimate how long something will take, which leads to frustration and late assignments. Teaching them to plan ahead makes a huge difference.
Show students how to work in blocks of time. Younger students can use timers while older students can practice balancing schoolwork with other activities. The more students understand how to use their time wisely, the more likely they are to meet their deadlines.
Use Visuals
Visuals can be a powerful tool to help students stay on track. Color-coded calendars with upcoming dates written on them, colorful sticky notes or posters, and digital tools like Google’s calendar can all be useful ways to help students and remind them of upcoming deadlines.
You might also encourage students to create their own weekly or monthly planners. When students can see their tasks laid out, they can prioritize better and avoid the surprise of a forgotten deadline. For younger students, a simple chart with pictures or symbols works just as well as a written calendar.
Provide Clear Expectations
Students are more likely to meet deadlines when they know what is expected of them. Clear instructions outlining the steps or even a rubric that shows how they will be graded will take the guesswork out of the assignment. When students understand what they need to do and how they will be evaluated, they will likely be more confident to start the assignment and complete it on time.
When you give students an assignment, walk them through the expectations, show them examples, and discuss why the deadline is important. Say, “This due date isn’t just about turning something in. It’s about learning how to manage your time and stay on track.” Helping students understand the purpose behind a deadline makes them more likely to take it seriously.
Guide Their Progress
Not all students will be as independent, capable, or confident as others. That’s why it’s important to help students gradually build their skills. Some students may need to check in at certain points during a project, while others may need feedback after every draft.
Figure out what each student needs and help guide them through their progress. Over time, as students become more comfortable managing deadlines, you can reduce the level of support and encourage them to take more responsibility.
Build Accountability
Accountability is a sure-fire way to motivate students to stay on track. Strategies like peer check-ins, goal charts, and progress trackers are all ways to help remind students to keep moving forward.
Other helpful approaches include daily or weekly goal setting, checklists where students mark off tasks as they complete them, and verbal recognition to celebrate their efforts. Group projects also provide accountability because students rely on one another to complete their projects. When students see progress, they feel a sense of accomplishment.
Foster a Growth Mindset
Students who miss deadlines usually do so because they feel stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed when things get tough. Helping students to foster a growth mindset will help them understand that setbacks and frustration are part of the learning process. Help them understand that mistakes are just opportunities to improve.
Try to celebrate students’ effort just as much as you would when they complete their assignment or project. If they meet each step along the way, acknowledge that. When students believe they can get better at managing their time and completing tasks, they become more confident and less likely to procrastinate.
Create a Classroom that Runs on Routine
A classroom that values deadlines, organization, and routine helps students internalize these skills. When you’re consistent and predictable with your assignments, like posting due dates or always using the same platform, it helps students see what’s expected and how to prepare. This structure teaches students to take responsibility for their work. Then it will start to become second nature to check their calendar and manage their own time.
Keep Open Communication
Some students miss deadlines because they do not know how to ask for help. Let students know that it’s okay to communicate if they are struggling with a task or timeline. Offer solutions when needed, such as adjusting a deadline if a student is facing challenges beyond their control. This teaches students the importance of self-advocacy and planning ahead.
Teaching students to meet deadlines is about more than getting them to turn in homework on time; it’s about equipping them with skills they will use forever. When students learn strategies on how to manage their time, they gain confidence and independence. They feel less overwhelmed and more capable and prepared to not just meet deadlines, but control their own success.
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