Guest Author - Rachel Lister
Everyone has days when homework is more of a chore that an educational experience. Like it or not, in order to get where you want to be, it needs to be done. There are ways to make it easier and prevent late night stressing sessions. Try and keep your perspective. Remember your long term goals. In today’s world you won’t get far without an education, but if you put in the work now, life in the real world will be much more exciting.
Actions become habit one step at a time. Set up a homework routine. Do your homework in the same place and time every day. Your homework area should be somewhere that is free from distractions, such as TV, phones, and other people. It may be more fun to do your homework in from of the TV or with your friends, but you will get it done faster and more effectively on your own, and the faster you finish the more free time you have to do the things you really want to do. Make sure that if you are working with a friend to complete an assignment that you stay on task and each do your own work. With the exception of group projects, you should each work independently unless you get stuck and need some help.
Write all homework assignments down in the same place. Keeping everything together prevents overlooking an assignment. Whether this is a notebook or planner, be sure to use something that has a secure binding. Individual pieces of paper are easy to loose. Write the due date next to each assignment and work on the earliest date first. If you have large projects due down the line, split it up into smaller portions and set your own deadlines. There is nothing worse that the awful panicked feeling that goes along with throwing together a last minute assignment.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are putting off doing an assignment because you don’t understand it, find someone who does. Parents and teachers are always willing to help. Many teachers will have after school review sessions if you want to gain a firm mastery of the assignment. Friends who are taking the same class or have taken it before can be a great resource.
Don’t give up. School can be frustrating at times but it won’t last forever. You may have to learn about things that you are not interested in. Try your best. You may be surprised to find a new interest.
5 Things I learned by Not Doing My Homework
1. If you don’t work at something you won’t succeed.
2. Procrastination gets harder as the work does.
3. There are a lot of things in the world that I haven’t learned yet.
4. Sometimes the hard road is a lot easier in the end.
5. Chocolate tastes a lot better when you are stalling.
