Success in school isn’t just about being good at math or understanding science concepts. Many students, even those who understand the academic material, struggle because they lack the skills to stay organized, manage their time, and keep track of assignments. These are executive functioning skills, and mastering them can make all the difference in a student’s academic performance. In this blog, we’ll focus on two critical executive functioning skills that every student needs: time management and organization.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functioning skills are mental processes that allow us to plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. In the context of school, these skills help students stay on top of homework, manage their study time effectively, and keep up with deadlines. While academic ability is important, a lack of executive functioning skills can prevent even the most intelligent students from achieving their full potential. To learn more about executive functioning, check out this resource from Understood.org.
Time Management: A Key to Academic Success
One of the most important executive functioning skills is time management. It involves more than simply knowing how to read the clock—it’s about using time wisely to accomplish tasks and avoid unnecessary stress.
Why Time Management Matters for Students
From juggling assignments, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, students often feel overwhelmed by the demands on their time. Without strong time management skills, they may find themselves procrastinating, rushing through assignments, or missing deadlines altogether.
For example, a student with a science project due next week, a math test tomorrow, and soccer practice every afternoon needs to plan their time wisely. Otherwise, they might devote too much attention to one task while neglecting others. This is where time management plays a crucial role—helping students prioritize, allocate time efficiently, and balance multiple responsibilities.
How Students Can Improve Time Management
Improving time management starts with prioritizing tasks. Students can begin by listing everything they need to do, breaking each task into smaller steps, and assigning time blocks for each. This helps prevent procrastination, as they’ll have a clear roadmap of what needs to be done.
Using tools like planners, digital calendars, or time-tracking apps can also be incredibly helpful. For instance, setting specific goals for study sessions like “I’ll review history notes for 30 minutes” gives students focus. Additionally, establishing routines—such as dedicating a specific time for homework each day—helps build habits that foster better time management.
Organization: The Foundation of Academic Efficiency
The second essential executive functioning skill is organization. Being organized means having systems in place to keep track of assignments, notes, and materials. Without good organization, students can waste valuable time searching for notes, trying to remember deadlines, or scrambling to complete projects at the last minute.
Why Organization Is Critical for School Success
Imagine a student who keeps all their notes in random piles, has papers scattered across their desk, and forgets about assignments until the night before they’re due. Even if this student understands the material, their lack of organization will make it harder for them to stay on top of their schoolwork.
On the flip side, students who are organized are more efficient, less stressed, and better equipped to handle multiple assignments at once. Whether it’s through colour-coded folders, a well-maintained digital calendar, or simply keeping a tidy desk, organization helps students manage their workload more effectively.
How Students Can Boost Their Organization Skills
Improving organizational skills starts with creating a system that works for the student. Some may prefer physical binders and notebooks, while others find digital tools more efficient. What matters most is consistency—choosing a system and sticking to it.
Students can start by organizing their study materials by subject. Each class should have its own folder or section in a binder, making it easy to find notes and assignments. For digital organization, creating folders on a computer or using an app to store notes and deadlines can help keep everything in order.
Additionally, maintaining a clean study space is essential. A cluttered desk or workspace can be distracting and make it difficult to focus. Regularly tidying up the area where they work can help students feel more in control and stay focused on the tasks at hand.
How Parents and Teachers Can Support These Skills
Both parents and teachers play a significant role in helping students develop time management and organizational skills.
Parents can encourage the use of planners, set realistic expectations for completing homework, and regularly check in to help their child stay on track. Teachers can assist by providing clear deadlines, breaking larger projects into smaller parts, and teaching students how to prioritize tasks.
When it comes to organization, parents can support by helping set up a dedicated, clutter-free study area at home and regularly assisting with organizing school materials. Teachers can suggest organization systems and encourage students to adopt methods that work best for them.
Setting Students Up for Lifelong Success
Mastering time management and organization is not only important for academic success but also for lifelong success. These skills will benefit students in school, college, and beyond, helping them achieve their goals efficiently and with less stress. By fostering these executive functioning skills early, we can empower students to succeed not only in the classroom but also in whatever path they choose.
Join Our Executive Functioning Program Starting in October!
If your child struggles with managing their time or staying organized, our Executive Functioning Program can help. Starting in October, we’ll offer a hands-on program designed to teach students essential skills like time management, organization, and planning. Our small group sessions provide personalized strategies to help students build confidence and achieve success in school.
Sign up today to give your child the tools they need to thrive both academically and in life!
For more information, visit The Progressive Centre.
