Career and College Focus: Time Management and Organization

Lesson Title: The Big Rocks of Life

Grade Levels: 3rd – 5th grades

Lesson Objectives:

  • Students will discuss priorities and the benefits of time management skills.
  • Students will rate their organizational skills and discuss ways to improve these skills.

Prior to the Activity/Follow-up After the Activity:

PBS Kids ( has many activities on this topic that are relevant and would make great pre- or post- activities. If time allows, PBS It’s My Life activities can also be incorporated into the lesson plans.

Procedure:

Activity 1 – The Big Rocks of Life

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Use the story above to adapt a similar activity for 3rd-5th grade students. Another variation is to pour the sand in first then have the students try to fit the rocks in the jar. Stress that the big rocks of life must be put in first, in order for everything to fit. Have students to share things they consider to be “big rocks” in their daily schedule - with a partner, in groups, or in a class oral discussion. Remind them to question daily activites – Is this a “big rock” activity? Did I fit all of my “big rocks” in my jar today? Stress that there is room for other activities and even some down time when priorities are set.

Activity 2 – Time Management Scenarios

Use the following scenarios and discussion questions to make a connection between time management and organization. Tips: Have two students to act out the parts of Steven and Mike as you read them aloud. Have students to discuss the questions in partners or small groups and then share out.

Scenario #1

It’s 10 p.m. on the night before Science projects are due. Steven is frantically searching his house for supplies so he can start working on his poster. He also needs to find some graphics on his computer. But first, he has to decide which topic he will cover: First Aid for Poisons or First Aid for Burns. And he just remembered that he forgot to buy his poster board.

Scenario #2

Three houses down, Mike checks his Photography, Scrapbook, and Geology exhibits one final time and takes them out to the car. He wants to get to bed soon so he will be well-rested and sharp for the science project judging tomorrow.

Discussion Questions

  • What is the difference between Steven and Mike?
  • What time management tips do you think helped Mike complete his projects in plenty of time for the fair? What would you recommend Steven do in the future to avoid this last-minute stress?
  • Who do you want to be more like, Steven or Mike?
  • Is this a reasonable goal for you? Why or why not?

Activity 3 – How Organized Am I?

“I will be reading eight statements to you. I want you to answer each statement honestly:

Thumbs Up = Agree (I always do this)

Thumbs in the Middle = Sometimes Agree (Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t)

Thumbs Down = Disagree (This is not me at all)”

  1. I keep my book bag and notebooks neat and in order.
  2. I keep my desktop and study space at home cleaned off and free of clutter.
  3. I write all assignments in my agenda or assignment book everyday.
  4. I begin right away on long-term projects.
  5. I turn in my homework and assignments on time.
  6. I always bring home important information from school (report cards, newsletters, progress reports, etc) to my parents/guardians.
  7. I usually know where my personal belongings are: pencil, glasses, lunch money
  8. My teachers, family, and friends think of me as an organized person.

Discussion:

  1. How can you improve these skills or make them better?
  2. What happens to disorganized students?
  3. How does being organized help students make better grades?
  4. How does being organized help affect behavior in the classroom?
  5. How does being organized prepare you for college and career?