Students with executive functioning challenges often struggle to plan and prioritize their tasks.  This is frequently apparent in students with ADHD: because they often think “everything is important”, they frequently fail to prioritize and plan their tasks.  As a result, they become overwhelmed and struggle to get started on their most important tasks.

Setting Priorities

To improve their ability to prioritize their tasks, students, parents, and educators are encouraged to try one of the following prioritizing tools.

Priority Planner

Based on the system originally developed by President Dwight Eisenhower and made famous by Stephen Covey, Ph.D., my “Priority Planner” is a simplified version of their Priority Matrix that works well for adults and students of all ages.

Prioritizing by Context

The priority matrix does not work for everyone!  If you are one of those people, that’s OK…there are other options. When you prioritize by context, you figure out where you will complete specific tasks and then you prioritize based on the due date.  On your block schedule, you should include time to complete your priority items on your action lists.

Planning Tasks

Planning involves being able to break tasks down into steps and is necessary to complete a task, finish a project, or reach a goal.  Students, their parents, and their educators are encouraged to consider these ready-made plans for multiple-step tasks and projects.

• Planning and Completing a Project

• Planning and Completing a Written Report

• Preparing for Tests

• Setting and Achieving Goals

Evaluate Progress Often

As students strive toward their goals, they need to evaluate their progress often and have a plan to get back on track when needed. In the article, “Evaluate Your Progress” they can learn how.

Need Help Applying These Concepts?

Contact us to make an appointment.  We’re happy to help you reach your goals for success!

(c) 2010-2019, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.