30/30 is an excellent app for helping your child utilize the Time Management and Planning thinking skills. Try some of our suggested activities, or leave us your own ideas in the comment field at the bottom of the page. 

Time Management Activity

If your child has difficulty concentrating on a single task, or staying with a project from beginning to end, use 30/30 to time periods of work and occasional breaks. Set a timer that allows your child 45 minutes of uninterrupted work toward a single dedicated task. Your child should be sure to concentrate only on the task at hand for the duration of this timer. For each 45 minute block of work time, create a 10 or 15 minute block of "break time." Your child can use this time to have a snack, get some fresh air, or simply browse the web for unrelated topics. Spending some time away from the project can help your child's creativity and productivity when eventually returning to work. In addition, the break time can give your child some added incentive to work harder during the 45 minute work periods. Be sure to adjust the duration of the work and break periods to find a balance that works well with your child's particular needs.

Planning Activity

When your child is undertaking a new project that requires multiple steps or dedication to numerous tasks, utilize 30/30 to keep track of the workload. First, begin by plotting out the necessary steps or activities for completing the project. With your child, try to visualize how much time each task might possibly require. Try to be realistic and plan extra time for areas in which you are unsure or feel it might be necessary. Write these steps in the most logical order that will optimize productivity and efficiency. For example, when working on a science project for school, it would not be beneficial to begin working on the display board before completing the project's research. It is important that your child plan time to take a break, eat a healthy snack, or simply separate from the project for a few minutes. Doing so can often spur increased productivity, energy, and creativity upon returning to work.

30/30 & ADHD

Children with ADHD may have trouble concentrating on a single task, or seeing a task through from beginning to completion. For these particular children, there may be a challenge simply getting started, organizing their materials, or staying on task without becoming distracted or bored. 30/30 is an excellent app for keeping users on task, especially a child who might display some of these difficulties. The app, which is based on the premise that users are more productive when working for 30 minutes and then breaking for 30 minutes, helps children with ADHD plan and mangage their time an optimized and efficient manner.

How to Use 30/30 for Children with ADHD:

• Create a new task containing multiple steps. Plot out the different stages for completing the project and make a reasonably accurate assessment of how long each portion should take. The app will automatically cycle through each step and alert the user when it is time to move on to the following task. Your child should also be sure to include time for breaks. During periods of work, encourage your child to dedicate total concentration to the project. Your child should be sure to utilize his or her break by obtaining a healthy snack, stepping outside for some fresh air, or simply browsing for interesting and fun webpages. Working in shorter bursts with occasional breaks can help incentivize your child to stay productive and efficient during working time. 

• Use 30/30 for smaller tasks that compete for your child's attention. Using the app for large projects can be an excellent way to divide time between a number of related tasks, but your child may also use 30/30 for simple homework workloads or completing chores around the house. The app proposes that users are more productive when working for short increments of time and breaking for short increments of time. Your child can create a "Homework" timer which alternates between time spent concentrating solely on homework and taking a short break to concentrate on something completely unrelated. Each time the "Homework" timer or "Break" timer runs out, it will automatically cycle to the bottom of the task list. With your child, be sure to adjust the timer to a workflow that best suits your child's needs and tendencies.

30/30 is just one of many apps that can help users manage time, be productive, and stay on task. Try some of the suggested alternatives below and let us know which one works best for your needs in the comment field at the bottom of the page.

myTime Organizer 

myTime Organizer is a similar app to 30/30, but is primarily designed for professionals. The app does have redeeming qualities for students, however, and contains mechanisms for keeping track of the amount of time dedicated to individual tasks. Learn more in our myTime Organizer review.

Astrid

Astrid is an app that helps users plan ahead and stay organized. The app is light-hearted and effective to-do list which includes numerous features for helping users complete tasks and keep track of due dates and responsibilities. Find out more in our Astrid review.

Scholastic Reading Timer

The Scholastic Reading Timer is designed to help children and parents keep track of and improve reading habits. The app tracks reading time on a daily basis and compiles this information into a reading list and weekly reports for parents. Learn more in our Scholastic Reading Timer review.