Creating a Homework Success Plan

‍

Standard Addressed

• Self-Management: the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations

Objective

• Students will learn how to manage their after-school routine by creating a personalized, realistic homework completion plan that includes time management, environment setup, and built-in breaks.

Materials

• Whiteboard, smartboard, projector, etc.
• Timer or digital device with timer function
• Pencils, crayons/markers (optional for decoration)

Assessment

Students can be assessed in the following areas:

• Completion of their homework plan
• Reflection on how their plan will support their success

Activating Prior Knowledge

Begin the lesson by asking students, “What helps you get your homework done?”

Allow students to share ideas. Common answers may include: having a quiet space, turning off distractions, or getting started right away.

Explain that in today’s lesson, they will create a plan they can use every day to make homework less stressful and more successful. Emphasize that this is part of learning how to manage their time and responsibilities.

Lesson Steps

1) Explain that good self-management means setting up systems that help you follow through with your goals and that today the class will create homework success plans.

Introduce the five steps of creating a homework routine:

• Choose the same time every day to start homework.
• Create a checklist of items needed to get started (like a snack, water, headphones, supplies).
• Decide on a one hour schedule that includes breaks.
• Plan fun, healthy breaks.
• Set a timer to follow the schedule.

2) Share the teacher planning success plan example below and say the following:

“As a teacher, planning what we’ll do each day is my homework. I do my planning every day at 4:30 PM. I have a small office area at home that I use which is free from distractions like TV. I bring a water bottle, a healthy snack, my teacher planning book, pens, and laptop. I work for 18 minutes, then take a 2 minute break, and repeat that 3 times to equal approximately 1 hour. I also plan what I will do in my break: I choose to stretch and walk around while I listen to a favorite song. I set a timer on my phone to keep me on track.”

Display the teacher example on the board:  

Start time: 4:30 pm

-4:30 pm: 18 minutes - Work on planning

-4:48 pm: 2 minute break - Stretch and listen to one favorite song

-4:50 pm: 18 minutes - Work on planning

-5:08: pm: 2 minute Break - Walk around and listen to one favorite song

-5:10 pm: 18 minutes - Work on planning

-End Time 5:28 pm

3) Guide students to create their own Homework Success Plan by following the steps.

Have them:

• Choose their homework start time.
• Write down where they will work and what they need.
• Pick a timer schedule (ex: 15 min work / 2½ min break OR 10 min work / 1 min break).
• Choose their break activities (walk around, doodle, dance, stretch, etc.).
• Make a reminder note to set a timer every day.

Support students who need help planning around busy schedules or limited space. Allow them to problem-solve with your help (e.g., "What if you share a room? Could you use headphones or work in another space?").

4) Encourage students to share their favorite break activity or what they think will be most helpful in their plan. This reinforces that self-management is personal and flexible.

Reflection

Ask students to write a short reflection in their notebook or planner responding to the prompt: “How will this plan help me feel more successful with my homework?”

Encourage honesty. If they’re not sure it will work, that’s okay! Reinforce that they can adjust the plan anytime and remind them that the goal is to try a system and build a habit that works for them.

Here is the printable version of  Creating a Homework Success Plan.

Our online SEL video game Ava and its supplemental curriculum have already impacted students in 200+ schools and therapy centers throughout the world. Want to learn how Ava can enhance your SEL program? Let's talk.

‍

‍