Organize, Focus, Get It Done (Part3)

Stay Focused at School

It can be hard to stay focused all day at school. But luckily, the subjects change, so you don't need to focus on the same thing all day long. Each subject lasts for a short while, so you need to focus for short periods of time. There's usually a quick break as you change books or supplies for a new subject.

At school, if your mind wanders (or dozes off!) while you're listening or doing work at your seat, you might want to change the way you're sitting so you're more comfortable. Take a nice deep breath or get up and stretch (when your teacher says it's OK) so you can better tune in to what's being said.

If the work is hard, don't just give up on it. Give it a good try or ask for help. Putting it off or stalling for time won't help you learn it, and it won't make the work any easier. Give your brain a challenge — it's good exercise!

When you don't understand something or don't know how to do something, ask the teacher for help. If you don't, your mind will drift and before you know it, you're off in la-la land. Instead, ask your question and listen to the answer. If you're still confused, talk to your teacher after class.

Daydreaming

There's nothing wrong with a good imagination, unless it's taking over at the wrong time, like in the middle of a class lesson. If daydreams clutter your mind, find a way to channel them to the right time of the day — after school.

You might start writing your day dreamy thoughts in a journal at the end of each day. Then you're not turning off your daydreams, you're just putting them on hold until a little later. If you don't like writing, try painting, building, or other ways of letting your creativity flow.

Noisy Neighbors

If classmates are distracting you, ask them nicely to stop talking. Are you the talker? Save your chitchat for lunchtime or recess. If you're still distracted, maybe there's something the teacher can do to help.

Get It Done!

What's better than being organized and focused? Being done! Not only will you be glad to know you've done well, but you'll have a finished product to be proud of. Hang in there until it's all done, and don't give up when you're halfway through. Make sure your homework is neat. Check your work for mistakes, and fix any you find. If it's a project or a book report, put on the finishing touches.

When you're finished with one part of the homework, checking it off on your assignment list can give you a good feeling. When you've finished all your homework, there's still one more thing. You have to get your homework to school. It doesn't do much good if you leave your assignment on your desk at home!

To be sure you're ready for school, check your bags. Make sure your name is on your homework, your homework is in a safe place (like a folder), the folder is in your backpack, and your backpack doesn't get left in the car or on the bus. You did the hard work, you deserve to get full credit for it!

For home chores, getting it done means sticking with it until the job's completely finished. When you think you're done (or almost done), take a look around your room to see if there's anything you forgot to pick up. Bed made? Check. Shoes put away? Check. Dirty clothes in the right basket? Check. Clean clothes in the drawer? Check. Toys and books where they belong? Check.

Or if you're setting the dinner table, don't stop after just the plates. Get the whole job done by putting out the utensils and napkins, too. Don't forget the glasses. Oh, yeah, how about the salt and pepper? Anything else your table needs?

Source: kidshealth.org