Put the most important tasks at the top, even if they’re things you’re dreading, and tackle them first. Include things you want to do on your list too, so you have items you’re looking forward to. Try motivating yourself with a reward if you get to everything on your list. Know Where to Begin. Make a list of every-thing you need to do, and note all deadlines. Do the more difficult assignments first, so you don’t have to face them at the end.

That way, if you find yourself with extra time—while on the train or bus or waiting for an appointment—you can get something done. Take Advantage of Any Free Time. If you have a study period or a long bus ride, use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class or start your homework.

It’s OK to say no if your friend asks you to go to a movie one night but you have a test the next morning. Instead, find a time that works for both of you and go see the movie then.

Are you a morning person or a night person? You’ll be more efficient if you work when you’re at your best. Find time for stillness. Find time to be just still. Set the Mood. Create a good study area with everything you need (for ex-ample, a calculator). If you don’t have a quiet place at home, try your school or local library. Study at the Same Time Every Day. Even if you don’t have homework every night, use the time to review notes. If sitting down to work is part of your normal routine, you’ll approach it with less dread. Also, you’ll become a pro at using time productively.

Set up a time devoted only to studying or homework. Shut off your phone and respond to calls or texts when your work is finished. Don’t check email or surf the Web (except when you need to for the work you’re doing) during this time either. Lock yourself in. No distractions. No excuses. Work across the week-end. Do 2 – 4 hours of school work per day. Be conscious of the amount of TV, Internet and Playing time

Figure out how much time you usually spend on your activities and then create a weekly schedule to follow. Determine how much free time you have before you add any commitments. And don’t forget to schedule time to relax. Keep Things in Perspective. Know how much weight each assignment or test car-ries, and use your time accordingly. Don’t worry about the totality of your tast. Take it one step at a go. Bite smallchunks.

If you find yourself wasting time on unimportant things, stop, check your to-do list and get back to what’s at the top. Maybe you’re procrastinating because you’re not sure how to move forward on a school project. If that’s the problem, check with your teacher to clear things up so you can get moving. Get More In-volved. Keep your mind from wandering by taking notes, underlining sections, discussing topics with others or relating your homework to something you’re studying in another class.

Your brain needs rest to perform at its peak. If it’s time to sleep, list the things you still need to get done on the next day’s to-do list and go to bed. Get an early start. Don’t procrastinate.

Although most students do not love homework, it serves a very important pur-pose:

• It reinforces what you’ve learnt during the day
• It builds essential study habits
• Prepares you for your next classes
• Gives you a sense of progress

• Celebrate Your Achievements. Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.
• Turn your tasks into habits
• Communicate. If you have concerns about the amount or type of home-work you have, you may want to talk to your family, teachers or counselor. They can help you understand how much time you need to allot for home-work and how to manage your tasks.
• Organize the Information. People process information in different ways. Some people like to draw pictures or charts to digest information, others pre-fer to read out loud or make detailed outlines. Try to find the methods that work best for you. Ask your teacher for recommendations if you’re having trouble.