Head of Middle Years

Developing an array of effective organisational habits, go a long way in preparing students for success in many aspects of their life, including academically. However, these habits need to be taught, encouraged and repeated. The study of Neuroplasticity (the way in which the cells in the brain, and other parts of the nervous system change in response to experience), would suggest that if these organisational habits have not yet been realised by your child, it is never too late for them to be established. Perseverance is the key to ultimately realising this success.

I recently read an interesting article written by Anna Homayoun (author, educator and researcher), which explored the topic of developing organisational habits in more detail. 

Anna writes:

“…The teenager’s underdeveloped prefrontal cortex can make it difficult to prioritize long-term benefits (having a rough draft of an essay done ahead of time) with short-term pleasure (texting with friends or a romantic interest).

This, coupled with today’s “distraction landscape” makes the situation far more complex than ever before. Today’s teens find that the same computers and tablets they need to use to complete assignments often provide the biggest distractions from getting any work done. Most adults admit to struggling with managing technology use. So we can’t assume teenagers—who are dealing with hormones, distractions, and daily stresses—should somehow be better at self-regulation.

The good news is that the beginning of the school year provides a natural opportunity for a fresh start, and is the perfect time for parents and teens to collaborate and implement strategies that encourage healthy socialization, self-regulation, and sleep.”

Even though we may not be at the beginning of the new school year, there is no time like the present to begin reorganising daily habits, to assist with the successful learning of new organisational and time-management habits.

To read the full article, please view the following link: https://yourteenmag.com/teenager-school/teens-high-school/time-management-skills-for-teens