How to Tackle a Major School Project
By Cynthia H. Lynch
How many times have you waited until the last minute to do a big project for school? Did your mom have to run out to the store to gather the needed supplies while you scrambled to throw together something to turn in the next day? If so, you are in serious need of a new game plan for completing projects.
Planning HOW and WHEN you will complete your project is the most important step in doing your work in an organized and stress-free manner. Follow the steps below to tackle a major school project.
1. Create a Calendar
Use your computer and Internet access to print out a blank calendar for the days you have to complete your project. Try using one of these free sites:
You can also create a calendar yourself on poster board. Highlight the days you have to work on your project. Then write down any activities you have already scheduled for these dates such as sports, family, church, etc. This will allow you to know which nights or weekends you will be able to do the most work.
2. List Your Tasks
Make a list of all the things you will have to do to complete your project. Don’t forget to include gathering materials. Write each activity on a separate line. Don’t combine activities.
3. Budget Your Time
Looking at your list, decide how much time each activity will take. List the time requirements in 15, 30, 45, or 60-minute time frames. For example, “Type report – 60 minutes” or “Draw and label diagram – 45 minutes.”
4. Make Sticky Notations
Now, take each activity on your list and put it on a separate sticky note. Be sure to include the time needed for each activity.
5. Return to your calendar
Go back to your calendar and begin to plan when you will complete each task. Add the sticky notes to the calendar in the order they need to be completed. Avoid planning project work on nights with a lot of other things going on like a ball game or family night. Plan to work no more than one hour on school nights, however you can work longer on weekends. You may have to shuffle your sticky notes several times as you make your plan. When you think you have a good arrangement of your tasks on the calendar, place tape over the top of each note so it won’t fall off.
6. Blackout Two Days
Do not put any activities on the two days before the project is due. This will give you some s-t-r-e-t-c-h time for any unforeseen challenges with your project.
7. Reward Yourself
Completing your project successfully and EARLY is a reward in itself. However, you may want to treat yourself to an extra thirty minutes of hoops with friends, a cool book to read, or some other reward that pleases you.
Making a good game plan for completing your project will put you well ahead of the game and certainly take the stress out of tackling major school assignments.
About the Author:
Cynthia H. Lynch is a full-time educator, part time freelance writer, wife, and mother. Her writing focuses on educational issues, women's humor, and filler articles for publications.
