ceciliafelsenstein Self-management is a critical life skill that enables students to regulate their emotions, set goals, stay organized, and make responsible decisions. High school is a crucial time to help students cultivate these skills as they prepare for adulthood. Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that address competencies like self-management have been shown to improve students’ academic performance by 11 percentile points compared to those who did not participate. Incorporating activities that develop self-management can lead to improved academic outcomes and better prepare students for future challenges. Here are several effective activities to foster self-management in high school students.
Regulating Emotions
By understanding and managing emotions, students are better equipped to handle stress and make rational decisions. For example, an upcoming exam can cause anxiety and affect concentration. There are several activities that can be done to help your students develop this skill. Some of them are:
If you want to read more on activities to work on self-control and self-awareness, you can check this post!
Self-Control
Students need to practice self-discipline and resist impulsive behavior. Developing self-control enables them to make thoughtful decisions, stay focused on their goals, and build resilience against distractions. So teaching and working on this skill is key to nurturing self-management strategies.
Goal Setting
You can help your students find out what they want, set realistic and achievable goals. It is not easy, but you can guide them through the process!
They should first be able to recognize what their strengths and weaknesses are so as to be able to set a goal.
Then, your students should decide on the goals they will be working on and check if they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound).
Finally, they should be able to prioritize goals and to find specific ways to work efficiently so as to make progress.
Here you will find activities and a detailed guide to work on goal-setting.
Time Management
Students need to gain awareness of how they spend their time and learn strategies to focus on what matters most.
You need to challenge them to plan their next week using a planner and then reflect on their success at the end of the week.
You can check this activity to help your students prioritize tasks and use their time effectively.
Self-management skills are essential for high school students to thrive academically and personally. By incorporating activities like goal setting, time management, mindfulness, and reflection into your teaching, you can equip students with the tools they need to succeed. Start small, and celebrate progress to encourage a lifelong commitment to self-improvement.
What strategies have you found effective for teaching self-management? Please, share your ideas in the comments!
