Planning Skills in the Classroom

Students need to use Planning skills on a consistent basis in the classroom. The following list outlines some common classroom tasks that require the use of Planning skills:

• Using time wisely in class: When trying to accomplish a task in the classroom, students need to think about the time and resources required to complete that task and come up with a plan in order to finish the task efficiently and on time.

• Remembering to bring important items to and from school: Students need to plan ahead in order to make sure they bring important items like permission slips, clothing for physical education, notices, etc. to and from school. If students don’t actively plan for these things ahead of time, they will likely be forgotten. 

• Completing homework: In order to ensure that students have the materials they need to complete their homework, they have to plan ahead while they are in school. They need to first record their homework, then determine the  materials they need in order to complete the assignments, and lastly, make sure those materials get from their desks or lockers to their backpacks to go home.

• Following specific directions/guidelines for an assignment: Using resources and rubrics to plan for assignments is an essential skill for success in the classroom. Students need to plan ahead to make sure they meet assignment guidelines, such as page formatting, length, and content requirements. Asking clarifying questions about requirements before the assignment is due is also a strong planning skill.

• Handling multiple assignments at once: Balancing multiple assignments can be challenging and requires strong planning skills. A student who plans ahead will likely determine when assignments are due, estimate how long each assignment will take, chunk long-term assignments into manageable pieces, and make sure each assignment is turned in on time and according to guidelines.

Teaching Planning Skills with Digital Media

Games digital media are often very useful in developing planning skills. Students can use note-taking and brainstorming technologies (like Evernote) to help them to plan and organize a written piece. Programs that allow students to customize projects, like Glogster or Keynote, require them to plan ahead and think about multiple components before creating the final product. There are also numerous digital planners available to help students keep track of their assignments and schedules in and outside of school.

Many video games require the development of short and long-term goals for the player to be successful. For example, players often need to collect certain rings, coins, or other items in a game that later will allow them to achieve larger goals and move on to subsequent levels. Games can also provide an understanding of the step-by-step process that mastery frequently requires. In addition, games provide direct and personal feedback to players regarding the success or failure of their plans. Learn more about how digital game play can help develop Planning Skills.

Check out our classroom guides for information on how to use specific games and digital technologies to teach Planning skills.

Alternative Learning Concerns & Planning

Alternative Learners sometimes struggle to use Planning skills when they approach academic tasks. Some of them might not see the value in thinking ahead, while others might need guidance about how to plan effectively for different tasks and assignments. Our Classroom Guides provide teachers with ideas on how to integrate digital media into instruction in a meaningful and fun way that can help Alternative Learners work on their Planning skills.

ADHD & Planning

Students who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or other attention problems often don’t take opportunities to plan ahead. For example, some of these students might think it is not necessary for them to write down the things they need to bring home to complete their homework, however, they continuously leave things at school that they need. Often students with ADHD are not sure how to approach a planning task. Without a lot of guidance, they might sit down to brainstorm ideas for a paragraph and instead start writing it right away in a stream-of-conciousness fashion. Many students with attention difficulties need explicit instruction on how to plan appropriately for different classroom assignments and tasks.

Using video games and other kinds of digital media can help students with ADHD build Planning skills. There are so many technologies available that teach students how to use planning strategies, and can be individualized depending on what works for the student. Many videogames also require students to use planning skills in order to accomplish goals in the game. Our Classroom Guides provide a variety of suggestions for how to integrate digital media into your instruction to help students build Planning skills in the classroom.

 Behavioral Problems & Planning

Students with behavioral problems often struggle to think ahead about how to avoid conflicts and make good choices in the classroom. Many of these students are often described as acting without thinking, not considering the consequences of their actions. Often, students with behavioral problems need explicit instruction about how to stop and think before reacting inappropriately in a situation where they feel frustrated or angry. They may also need guidance about how to make good choice and plan ahead so that they can avoid situations that might lead to conflict or make them upset.

There are many video games and other digital technologies available that deal with conflict resolution and thinking before acting. Incorporating digital media like this into your instruction can greatly benefit students with behavioral problems and help them build important planning skills that can help them succeed in the classroom, both socially and academically.

LD & Planning

Planning can also be a struggle for students with Learning Disabilities. tudents with Learning Disabilities will have different planning concerns based on their individual profiles. For example, some students may have difficulty planning to complete a long-term project. Others might need help prioritizing homework assignments. Some might need structured plans for reading comprehension or organizers to help them plan out a written assignment.

Incorporating digital media in the classroom provides many opportunities for differentiation in order to meet the needs of all students, and to help build Planning skills. Our Classroom Guides can help teachers of students with Learning Disabilities and can be adapted to meet the needs of individual students.