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Brian Kim: Teach kids time management

Top 5 Things That Should Be Taught In Every School

I enjoyed reading this list and was especially into number five:

#5: Time Management

Speaking of other skills that can be utilized in any job and career is time management. The majority of students never really learn to value their time and mange it while in school. Procrastination is all too rampant (studying right before class, doing homework and essays the day it’s due, partying the night before the exam). This lack of time management often carries over into adulthood, which becomes a major liability.

Learn to make a to do list. Learn to prioritize. Learn to break things down into 30 minute blocks of time. Learn about actionable items. David Allen’s GTD system is your best friend here along with Dan Kennedy’s No B.S Time Management. Again if you’re unfamiliar with these people, Google is your best friend, but I’m sure the majority of readers will know what I’m talking about.

What would you add to the list of skills you think should be taught in school?

[ via: Anarchaia (3/14/07) ]

Liz's picture

I have 2 kids ......

I have 2 kids ... the older one has learning disabilities that affect her "executive functioning". In other words, her time management and organization skills stink, and all the reading about these won't make a jot of difference. She is getting help in school, and she is learning -- at snail's pace. She needs to start learning this stuff now (she's 11), and keep learning it, from trained teachers, as long as possible.

Other skills the kids should learn: definitely bring back Home Ec and Shop! I see teenagers who can't boil water or run a washing machine -- every one of us should be able to take care of basic needs. Personal Finance is another must, ideally teaching kids how to fill out a 1040 without a computer, and how to figure out how much credit card interest you're paying ... Phys Ed should include nutrition and exercise theory, as well as self-defense.

Another school mistake ... my daughter's middle school "computer science" class taught the kids how to use Excel, Word, and -gasp- HyperStudio. [I love HyperCard, but it's a little, uh, dated.] Better if the kids learned how to use Google, the difference between RAM and ROM, and how to read help files.

Enough. I bet you never thought a professional Mom would chime in here :-)

 
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