Let’s be real: online school is really hard! Some days I’m either doing school work all day, or I’m scrolling through my phone or watching TV. Until I learned to implement a routine a few weeks ago, I was flip-flopping from the two extremes. The routine I established has helped me stay productive throughout the day without getting distracted or super burnt out. Here are my best tips and some productivity apps that can help you stay on track:
1. Try to wake up at the same time every day, and have a (somewhat) regular routine. Since classes start at 9:30, try to wake up at least an hour before so that you have time to eat a good breakfast and get ready for the day. I also find that getting dressed in a “real person outfit” instead of sweats helps me feel more motivated! 2. Plan your day and have realistic goals. For the past two years, I’ve really liked using a planner, and this is especially true right now. While I eat my breakfast, I will check what assignments I have for my classes and make a list of what I need to do and when I expect to do it. I also try to keep these goals realistic so that I don’t get discouraged. If you make your goals “easy,” or more attainable, you’ll feel more motivated and encouraged to get them done. You can also use any spare paper to plan your day, too, like a flash card. I like to cross out my tasks when I’m finished so I “see” my progress. If physical agendas aren’t your style, there are tons of apps that can help you organize your day! One that Kristen likes to use is EduManager, which is a planner app that’s super easy to use and has an organized layout. You can track all of your classes with different colors and set timed notifications for upcoming work and assignments! 3. Try to have a limit for how long you’ll work and how long your breaks are. I usually do an hour(ish) of work and 15 minutes of break, and lunch is about an hour (usually I watch 1-2 episodes of a show while I cook and eat). Most of my breaks are phone breaks (which admittedly isn’t the best idea) or playing/walking my dog. I’ve been really trying to incorporate activity into my breaks since it will help expend any extra energy I may have. If you find it hard to stay on-task and avoid going on your phone, a really great app that I like to use is called Flora. it’s a productivity timer that’s linked to your phone screen time. You can set your goal for how long you want to be productive and off your phone, and once you’ve reached the goal, it plants a tree! If you go on your phone, then the tree will die. You can also make to-do lists in the app! 4. Try to have a designated work space and avoid going to your room. Since my parents are at work all day, I like to do my homework in my kitchen/living room. I bring my backpack downstairs in the morning like I’m “going to school,” which helps me focus and be studious. I make an effort to not go to my room unless absolutely necessary (like if I forgot a folder or need a charger). If you can only do work in your room, try to avoid doing work in your bed (unless it’s reading because let’s face it, it’s just more cozy) and try to take more frequent breaks and walk around your house/neighborhood to break up your day. 5. Remember that you aren’t a “productivity machine” and that sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to take a true break. I definitely struggle with this one, but I’m increasingly realizing how unrealistic it is to expect students to produce maximum quality work during this time of confusion and stress. After all, we are still in a pandemic. So, it’s okay if you need to take a day off, and you should, whether it’s a weekday or weekend! Hopefully these tips and apps can help you stay on-track during this time of remote learning! - Abigail and Kristen Laker Letter editor, Trent, recently reached out to Mrs. Thornton to ask questions about the status of school reopening. She responded on November 23, and here is what we’ve learned: Trent: Students have heard many rumors about school reopening, what can you confirm and what information can you tell us about the progress of reopening. Mrs. Thornton: This is not a rumor. The School Board announced a potential for a return to school 5 days a week. The vote will be made on Dec 21st at the school board meeting. Surveys were sent out to parents on Nov 19th for input. Trent: If all students return to the building, what kind of preparations will be made to maintain a safe social distance and sanitary environment. Mrs. Thornton: We will continue using the safety protocols that are in place. Staggered transition times, desk shields, 2 in the bathroom at a time, masks, hand sanitizing, socially distancing. Trent: Would AB come back? what would that look like? Mrs. Thornton: We have not discussed this yet Trent: What are your opinions on school reopening? Why are you opposed/in favor? Mrs. Thornton: I would love to have students back in the building when and only when it is safe to return. As with everything else currently, the status of students returning to school in person full time will be subject to change based on decisions made by the School Board and the Maine Department of Education. -Trent |
Social
|