It can sometimes be difficult to plan time to revise or get homework finished. You might be too tired or have other things to do like looking after brothers and sisters, helping out at home, or doing sports or other activities.
Even when you’ve made a plan, keeping yourself organised and motivated can be tough. But planning ahead and organising your work can help you feel more in control and able to get things done.
Here are 7 tips to help you get your work done:
- Make a plan
Write down what homework or revision you need to do in a week as well as all of the other things you do every day – like spending time with friends or tidying up. You can then make a plan of what you need to do and when. Use BBC Bitesize’s revision planner to help you get started and keep it going using the mood journal.
- Do a bit at a time
Take regular breaks to help you focus, for example you could work for 30 minutes and then take 10 minutes to do something else. Make sure you take time to eat healthily and exercise.
- Use revision tools
Try using tools such as GCSE mind maps to help understand course content. You could also try writing things you want to remember on post-it notes and stick them on things where you live, like a door, wall or fridge, so you’ll see them every time you walk past.
- Remove the distractions
Put your phone somewhere else and make sure the TV is off so that you’re not tempted to do something else when you’re doing homework or revision.
- Think about what’s helped before
If you’ve taken exams before, write down what helped you revise and what you found difficult. For each thing you found difficult, try and think of what you could do differently or get advice from the message boards.
- Change your plans when you need to
It’s normal for things to get in the way of your plans to work. You might have a family event or an emergency. Even if you can’t keep to a plan exactly, do as much of it as you can.
- Ask for help if you’re struggling
It can be tough trying to catch up when you feel like you’re falling behind. Asking for help at school or from an adult you trust means that they can be there to give you support.