How to Plan Your Weekly Schedule

Learn how to organize your week, balance your schoolwork, and find time for fun with a simple, visual schedule. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. List your must-dos. Grab a piece of paper and write down everything that happens at a specific time every week. This includes school hours, sports practices, music lessons, or chores. Be sure to ask a grown-up if you aren't sure about the exact times.
2. Map out your week. Draw a grid on your paper with columns for each day of the week and rows for different times of the day. Using your list from Step 1, write these fixed activities into the boxes where they belong.
3. Add your homework and projects. Look at your school assignments for the week. Pick specific blocks of time to work on them. It is often helpful to pick the same time every day so it becomes a habit.
4. Schedule your downtime. A good schedule needs room for fun! Fill in the empty spaces with things you enjoy, like reading, playing outside, or hobbies. Make sure you leave some white space for rest or unexpected changes.