10 Time Management Tips for Learning Coaches
byEmily Ewen
5 min to read
Time management can be one of the most challenging aspects of being a Learning Coach or parent of an online school student. Not only do you have to find time to fit lessons and extracurriculars all in one day, you also have to motivate your student and keep them engaged throughout the day. If you’re managing multiple students, it can be even more stressful to balance each one’s unique needs. Additionally, as a Learning Coach, part of your job is teaching time management to your student.
We want to help you stay on track with our simple tips for learning coaches as well as tips for how to teach time management. The first step? Figure out your time management personality.
Your Time Management Personality
The time management skills needed for teaching can be different based on your time management personality. Take the time management personality quiz to learn about the strategies that work best for you. This way, you can organize each day based on your innate time management skills. This will also help you pinpoint which situations may set you back and how to avoid them.
Simple At-Home School Time Management Tips
1. Designate separate learning areas
Make sure you and your student have designated learning areas. Whether it’s a desk, a table, or a couch, having separate working spaces where you can spread out and work independently creates structure and individual workspace boundaries. If you’re managing multiple students, it’s important for each student to have their own learning area. Make sure each learning area has minimal noise and distractions, adequate lighting, and comfortable furnishings.
Each learning area should be free of noise and distractions. Limit use of phones, TVs, and other technology during the day unless they are needed for school activities.
2. Prepare your toolbox
To make the most of your school year, plan your student’s schedule from the start of the semester and set some rules in place to follow each day. Create resources for yourself to keep on hand, such as a list of school rules, healthy snack ideas, and a list of fun physical activities or games you can rotate through when your students need a break. Keep these year-round resources in a separate folder that’s easy to find. As you grow as a Learning Coach, your toolbox will grow, so make sure to review your materials regularly.
3. Set up for success each night
Every evening, spend a few moments helping your student get organized. This will save you time each morning when you are helping them prepare for the day. Make sure everything is in its designated spot and unnecessary items are removed from each workspace so that in the morning, you are all ready for school.
4. Stay organized
Staying organized is another secret to saving time and teaching time management. Organizing classroom materials and having reference items for tracking due dates and other activities within reach will help your student become more independent and allow you to be more hands-off over time.
5. Create a master schedule with anchored activities
The end of each day is the beginning of your at-home school time management plan for the next day. As you make your schedule, anchor your time. Assign each errand or activity for the next day to an event that is a part of your routine, such as lunch or bedtime. For example, while you’re eating breakfast each morning, which is your anchor activity, go over your daily schedule. Make sure your student has access to this schedule, so you are always on the same page, but let them know you are always around to help or answer questions. You can also try using a family calendar app.
6. Review your schedule at the beginning of each day.
If your student is younger, they will need you to be more involved in their day-to-day routine. Create a checklist so that, throughout the day, they can mark each activity as completed. If you have an older student, make sure they are prepared for the day by simply asking if any assistance is needed. Remember to encourage independent study skills as your student gets older. This is how to teach time management to students. You can do this by using tools like a Learning Coach–Student contract, which can include items such as breaktime agreements and rewards.
7. And stick to it.
Routines create predictability for students and Learning Coaches, which can make the day go much more smoothly. Having a routine also reinforces a learning environment based on day-to-day expectations, which can help your student succeed in online school. For example, have a set schedule for each meal and a set time for when your students must be out of bed so that they learn accountability and responsibility.
8. Monitor your student as they work.
Save time by checking in with your student while they’re completing assignments. Check for comprehension and verify completion. As your student progresses through each grade level, be sure to gauge their independence and allow them to tackle most of the preparation and at-home school time management independently.
9. Prioritize your own self-care.
Teaching time management students is also about taking care of yourself and practicing good time management habits in your own day-to-day. You will get run down if you don’t take time to relax and do the things you love. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend, fellow Learning Coach, family member, or a teacher for help when you need a day, or even just a few hours, to yourself. Share Learning Coach responsibilities with another adult in your home if possible and have a plan in place for times when you are away. Since one Learning Coach should always be present during your student’s class hours, sharing responsibility can be a huge bonus when it comes to managing your time. And remember, being a working parent and a Learning Coach may require some extra planning.
10. Take breaks to clear your head.
Take breaks often and experiment with different time increments, such as 10-minute breaks every hour or 30-minute breaks every two hours—whatever works best for you and your student. Incorporate snacks, walks, social time, and creative activities.
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