For students with lower working memory scores
Children often have lots to keep track of. Writing plans down also known as “cognitive offloading” reduces load on working memory so it’s easier to plan-do-review with less stress and better follow-through.
How Planners Help
Visual Organisation: Planners provide a clear overview of tasks and timelines, helping children see what needs to be done and when.
Reduced Cognitive Load: With tasks written down, children don't need to keep everything in their head, freeing up mental energy for the tasks themselves.
Sense of Accomplishment: Ticking off completed tasks gives children a sense of achievement, boosting their confidence and motivation.
Daily or Weekly Planners
Use a daily or weekly planner to outline tasks, assignments, and deadlines. Encourage students to write down each task as soon as it’s assigned.
How this helps
Breaking the day into smaller parts makes tasks feel more manageable and keeps students focused on immediate priorities.
Where to find
Colour-Coded Schedules
Assign different colours to various types of tasks, such as homework (blue), reading (green), or projects (yellow). Use this colour scheme consistently across their planner.
How this helps
Colour-coding makes the planner more engaging and allows students to quickly differentiate between task types.
Where to find
Checklists
Incorporate checklists into the planner where students can tick off tasks as they complete them. For example, “1. Write essay draft,” “2. Read pages 10–20 of textbook.”
How this helps
This simple tool creates a visual record of progress, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment.
Where to find
Digital Planners and Reminders
Introduce tools like Google Calendar or scheduling apps that can send reminders for upcoming tasks. Set notifications to pop up on their device.
How this helps
Digital tools are particularly effective for older students, fostering independence while ensuring timely task completion.
Where to find
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