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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 10

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 10

November 11, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

I remember thinking that I didn't have that much work to do. I looked at the project worksheet when Mr. Harrison explained it and it didn't seem so hard. I was sure I'd be able to get it done in one night. But it went slower than I'd expected. I only finished half and the parts I did took forever.

So I have to tell Mr. Harrison that my project isn't done.

He seems really disappointed in me: "I gave you an extra day last time. This time I'm going to have to take off ten points. And I expect to see the finished project, tomorrow. Chris, when I assign a big project like this, you need to get started right away and work at it a little at a time. As they say, 'Failing to plan is planning to fail.' Next time, you and I are going to work together to come up with a plan so you use your time more effectively and I'm going to help you follow that plan. I don't like what happened with this project, but I know that, next time, if you have a solid plan, you'll do a great job."

I feel bad about not finishing my project and letting Mr. Harrison down. But I can do better next time. Next time, I'll start with a plan and follow through with it. That'll make a big difference. Actually, I can start now-by coming up with a plan for getting this project done.

This week's maxim is "Failing to plan is planning to fail." 
 

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Failing to plan is planning to fail."
    Benjamin Franklin

Featured character trait

  • Responsibility- I know what I should do and I do it.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  •  Commitment- I am stay focused on my goals and work hard.
  • Self-discipline- I am in control of myself and makes choices that go along with my goals.
  • Motivation-I am determined; I work to put forth my best effort.
  • Effort-I work hard and try to do my best.
  • Determination - I am willing to work, to try, to fail, and to continue in my goal of doing my best.
  • Aspiration - I have goals and hopes that I work to achieve.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Does this story seem like something that could really happen?
  • Do you find that often projects take more time than you thought they would?
  • What usually ends up happening in situations like that? Is there a way to make sure that doesn't happen anymore or as much?
  • Do you start projects right away or wait until the last minute?
  • What are some good things about starting things early and working at them little by little?
  • Have you ever put things off until the last minute and then wished you'd started earlier?
  • List reasons why people put things off until the last minute. Are these good reasons?
  • How do you feel about your work and yourself when start early and work on it consistently, rather than rushing to get it done at the last minute?
  • How can you overcome the temptation to wait until the last minute to start your work?
  • What kinds of things can teachers do to help you work on assignments in an organized way?
  • What helps you be organized?
  • Do you think this week's maxim is true? Explain.
  • What are some other situations it could apply to? (e.g. a sports team planning for a big game, a family getting ready for a holiday or birthday party, etc.)

Related Links

Extending the Conversation

The next time you assign a project or announce a big test, take the time to have students develop time management plans. Before they create a management timeline, have small groups brainstorm that various considerations (what work needs to be done, what order should it be done in, how much time do you have, what competing commitments need to be taken into account, etc.) that go into planning for a big project or studying for a major test. You can come up with a schedule as a whole class and have students revise it to better meet their needs or you can have students work on the plans individually or in pairs.