Personal Calendar using Microsoft Office

Activity: “How Do You Spend Your Time?”

• Begin with a short discussion or brainstorming session.
• Ask students to list activities they do in a week, including school, extracurricular activities, homework, and leisure.
• Write their responses on the board and categorize them into school-related and personal activities.
• Icebreaker: “Two Truths and a Lie about Time Management”
• Have students pair up and share two truths and one lie about their time management habits. Partners guess which statement is the lie.

1. Discuss the Importance of Time Management

• As pairs students discuss why organizing time is critical for success in school and beyond.
• Share with class. Mention the benefits such as reduced stress, meeting deadlines, and having more free time.
• Ask the question: What are things you can use a calendar for? Introduce the concept of using a calendar to keep track of assignments, projects, deadlines, and tests.
• Show Examples

2. Display a few pre-made calendars using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

• Highlight different styles and features.

Demonstration: Creating a Personal Calendar

Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate how to create a calendar in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Key Features to Include: Inserting tables, adding images, formatting text, and including important dates.

Have students give ideas for things to add to the calendar.
 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activity: Create Your Calendar

• Students create personal calendars.
• Ensure they include: School-related dates (assignment deadlines, test dates)
• Personal dates (birthdays, holidays)
• Encourage creativity by adding photos (students can use provided photos or their own).
  Collaborative Work

Pair students to review each other's calendars.

• They can provide feedback and suggest any missing important dates or design improvements.

Peer Review Session

• Organize a peer review session where students present their calendars to the class or in small groups.
• Provide a checklist for peer reviewers to assess: completeness, clarity, creativity, and organization.
  • content and completeness
    • accuracy of dates (school assignments, test dates etc)
    • includes personal dates
    • includes holidays
  • organization and structure
    • layout and design
  • Visual appeal and Creativity
    • design elements
  • Personalization
  • Functionality
    • can it be easily updates

Teacher Feedback

Walk around and provide feedback and assistance as students work. Offer suggestions for improvement and praise well-done elements.

Pair Review:

• Pair up with a classmate and exchange calendars.
• Use the checklist to evaluate each other’s work.

Discussion:

• Provide constructive feedback based on the checklist.
• Highlight strengths and suggest improvements in a positive and supportive manner.

Written Feedback:

• Each student writes a brief review addressing the points in the checklist.
• The review should include specific examples and actionable suggestions.

Peer Review Session

• 
  Allow time for students to present their calendars to their peers in small groups or to the entire class.
• Encourage a positive and collaborative environment where feedback is shared respectfully and constructively.
• By using this checklist and structured peer review process, students can gain valuable insights into their work and learn from their peers, enhancing their calendar-making skills and time management abilities.

Discussion: Monthly Calendar Check-ins

Discuss the idea of making calendar creation a monthly activity.

Emphasize the importance of regularly updating their calendars to stay organized.

Goal Setting Meeting

Plan a brief one-on-one meeting with each student to set personal and academic goals, using their calendar as a reference point.