Work First Then Play

During Care Time last week, our students learned about prioritizing by using the concept of working first then playing.  We discussed how you feel when you procrastinate and if those feelings help you be the best version of yourself or not. Of course, they do not.  In contrast, we also discussed how putting your work first then playing makes you feel.  The students all agreed it is much easier to be the best version of yourself when you feel proud, happy, and calm.

The habit of working first then playing is important to instill in our children now.  By doing so, it helps our kids accept more responsibility and become more independent. After all, our goal as parents is to raise independent children who don't grow up to live in our basement. Here are a few articles reinforcing this concept Family Talk: Work First Then Play and The Art of Making and Not Making Plans.  You might also be interested in checking out the Eisenhower Box.  The Eisenhower box is a tool I used with fourth graders during their lesson to identify the best way to use their time.

Third grade students reviewing and discussing putting first things first examples. 

First grade students sorting and discussing examples of important things to do and things you want to do. 

A first grade student identifying her big rocks (work) and little rocks (things she enjoys doing).