Context
In a world of competing deadlines and distractions, the ability to plan and prioritize is a critical life skill. This lesson moves students beyond scattered to-do lists and introduces them to the world of digital planning. Using a note-taking app like GoodNotes or Notability and a custom template, students will set up their first digital planner to organize their academic and personal lives.
This isn't just about scheduling homework. It's a hands-on workshop in executive functioning. Students will learn how to import a planner template, set meaningful weekly goals, and track their progress. They will customize their planner with text, handwriting, and stickers, making the process of organization both creative and personal.
By the end of the session, students will have a functional tool they can use every day to reduce stress, manage their time effectively, and take ownership of their own success.
Preparation and Flow
For this lesson, students will need a note-taking app like GoodNotes. The teacher will need to provide a simple weekly planner PDF template, accessible via a shared link or AirDrop.
1. The "Why": Discussing the Power of Planning (5 mins)
Start with a brief discussion: "What feels overwhelming about your week?" "What's one thing you sometimes forget to do?"
Introduce the idea that a planner is a tool to help manage that feeling and stay on top of tasks. Showcase an example of a filled-out digital planner page.
2. Setting Up the Planner (10 mins)
Guide students through the process of getting their planner ready:
Distribute the Template: Share the weekly planner PDF file with students.
Importing: Demonstrate how to open the file in their chosen note-taking app (e.g., using the "Share" menu and selecting "Open in GoodNotes").
Duplicating Pages: Show them how to duplicate the weekly template page so they have a fresh one for each week.
3. Goal Setting & Prioritizing (10 mins)
Explain the importance of setting a clear goal for the week. Brainstorm examples as a class (e.g., "Finish my science project," "Practice basketball for 30 minutes every day").
Instruct students to write down one main goal in the dedicated section of their planner.
Next, have them list 2-3 key tasks in the "To-Do List" section that will help them achieve that goal.
4. Planning the Week (15 mins)
Give students time to fill out their planner for the current week. They should add:
schedule and assignment due dates.
After-school activities or appointments.
The tasks from their to-do list, scheduled on specific days.
Encourage them to use the highlighter tool to color-code different subjects or activities.
5. Share One Tip (5 mins)
To conclude, ask each student to share one thing they've scheduled that they are looking forward to, or one task they feel more confident about completing now that it's written down.
Possible Extension
Monthly Goal Setting: Expand from weekly to monthly planning. Have students set larger goals for the month and break them down into smaller, weekly action steps.
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Sharon
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.