Four Weeks Into School – Is the excitement of a new school year Over?
The first few weeks of school usually feel fresh and exciting—new classes, new routines, maybe even new friends. But now that we’re about a month in, reality sets in. Homework piles up, tests kick in and staying organized feels harder than it did at the start.
That’s where executive functioning skills come in. These are the “manager skills” your brain uses to:
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Keep track of assignments
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Manage your time (without cramming at midnight!)
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Stay organized and focused
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Handle changes without getting overwhelmed
If you’ve noticed yourself slipping—forgetting homework, procrastinating, or feeling stressed—you’re not alone. The good news? These are skills you can build.
Ask your children which tips of these are they using and which ones would they like to improve on or incorporate?
✅ Stay On Top of Homework:
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Use a planner (or phone app) to write down all assignments every day.
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Set daily goals for what needs to get done.
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Color-code subjects for a quick visual reference.
✅ Time Management:
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Break big assignments into smaller tasks.
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Set a timer for focused work sessions (e.g., 25 minutes work, 5 minutes break).
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Prioritize assignments by due date and importance.
✅ Stay Organized:
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Clean out your backpack and binders every week. Throw out old papers you don’t need.
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Use folders or dividers to keep papers sorted by class.
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Keep digital files organized with folders for each subject.
✅ Focus and Avoid Distractions:
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Turn off phone notifications while studying.
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Choose a quiet place to work (even if it’s just a corner of the kitchen).
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If you get distracted easily, try using apps like Forest or Focus@Will.
✅ Deal with Stress:
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Take regular breaks (5-10 minutes every hour) to relax and recharge.
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Practice mindfulness—a couple minutes of deep breathing can clear your mind.
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Stay active—exercise can boost your focus and energy.
✅ Reflect and Adjust:
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Check your planner every morning and night.
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At the end of the week, reflect on what went well and what needs improvement.
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Celebrate small wins (like finishing a tough project on time)!
Pro Tip: These small habits add up and make a big difference! Keep this checklist visible and make it a goal to improve just one thing every week. You’ve got this!
The “excitement” might be over, but this is when real habits are built. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll find yourself managing school (and life) with a lot more confidence.
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