The Personal Routine
Knowing the main blocks of time during the week signals when to shift gears—change tasks. Students from junior high to high school should be aware of the basic turning points of the week. This gives them a concrete level of awareness on how much time is available and sets up consistent behavior, which, in turn, is reflected in overall school performance.
The “Personal Routine Template” is a powerful tool that the student fills out at the start of each day and updates when they return home from school. It is customized to reflect the learner’s needs but built into the routine are the repetition of blocks and cycles of activity that create habits and structure.
For example, getting to bed to allow for 8-9 hours of sleep each day is a process. I have included a Stop Time and Wind Down Time prior to bedtime. By intentionally describing transitions between tasks prepares the mind and body, increases focus, and reduces stress. Minimizing high stimuli near bedtime and specifying the duration of study/work sessions paves the neural pathways for going to bed on time and falling asleep easily.
Working into the late hours, or procrastinating tasks to the last minute is the natural result when the student doesn’t know how to take command of their time and behavior. I’ve developed tools and supports that stop this chain reaction before it bleeds into the next day, or worse, becomes habit.
Sports have boundaries the game is played within; time, space, transitions, etc. Each day has similar boundaries for tasks and activities. The personal routine includes personal time—20 minutes at least, with half the time dedicated to journaling, reading, or similarly reflective quiet time. This reflective time has profound effects. In fact, it is so impactful I recommend it for parents too. It supports cognitive development, self-awareness, and matures the ability to focus and exercise metacognition. (More on this unique human faculty in later issues)
Words are powerful. They literally program the developing brains of young people. That is why I include constructing an objective intent sentence. This is a statement defines what the student chooses to accomplish by following their personal routine. For example; by following this personal routine I will be able to stay current with all my homework. Print out the personal routine on a single sheet or card and post it in the student’s workstation.
Congratulations! You’ve the next tier of executive functions, e.g. Tasks and Routine.
