7-To+Do+Notes+and+Mental+Checklists

toc ** Dangers of Multitasking and Review of Good Time & Materials Management **   = = = = There are two types of information that are important to focus on when reading and listening. Both types of information are essential!
 * Don't Forget: To Do Notes and Mental Checklists **


 * **To Do information ** refers to information or directions about what a teacher wants students to do, how, when, and where it is to be done.
 * **To Know information** is information about content -- stuff a teacher wants students to learn. //(To Know Notes will be covered in Task 9 for the Tech Tools and Study Skills class.)//

To Do Notes

 * Homework: Listen for changes and note them in your planner and on your to do lists.
 * Tests and Quizzes: Listen for special instructions (i.e. what you can bring in to the test) and for information about the type of test (essay, multiple choice, etc.) so you know how to study effectively.
 * Lab Books and Journals: Pay attention to written and oral instructions for keeping lab books and journals.
 * Info on Turning Stuff In: Listen for instructions, write them down (or save them if it's a handout or link!), and follow them carefully.
 * Projects: Listen for special instructions or any changes in instructions. Follow the instructions carefully!
 * Permission Slips: Jot down a reminder on your to do list and/or calendar to make sure you bring in permission slips if needed.

Mental Checklists
A Mental Checklist can help forgetful people (like me!) remember to bring to school all of the materials needed for the day without having to be reminded by someone else. Here are the steps for a Mental Checklist:


 * 1) Use your Mental Checklist at the SAME TIME and SAME PLACE every day //(i.e. when brushing your teeth in the morning)//
 * 2) Clear your mind and focus on the day ahead of you.
 * 3) Ask yourself your Mental Checklist questions EVERY day . //(i.e. Is my homework in my binder? Are my binders in my backpack? Do I have my laptop and charger? Do I have to remember anything else today like returning a library book or schedule/carpool changes?)//
 * 4) If you have forgotten something, take care of it right away before you forget again!

You may want to hang a list with your reminder questions in your Mental Checklist place until it becomes a routine. You also might want to use a Mental Checklist in the morning on your way to school and in the afternoon on your way home (i.e. when you pack your backpack before leaving school to go home).

Discovery Tasks

 * 1) Jot down your To Do Notes for this week.
 * 2) Create a Mental Checklist and make it part of your routine for the rest of this term.

**List of Sources** __Content__ //The Middle School Students Guide to Ruling the World// by Susan Mulcaire