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Use Checklists to Remember Belongings (E)

Tags

Study Skills & Tools ^Extra-curricular/At-Home All Ages Strategy

Skills

Anxiety Self-regulation Organization Working Memory Attention Verbal Memory

Use Checklists to Remember Belongings (E)

If your student often forgets necessary items

How To Apply It!

  1. Use checklists to keep organized and ensure you do not forget anything important, especially on days you might be anxious about a big test or event.
  2. Use a checklist for managing your daily belongings. Ask an adult to check your list to be sure you haven't left anything off. Then make copies of the checklist and use it daily. Check off every item as you do it. This will ensure that you don't accidentally skip over anything on the list. While you can use a digital checklist, most people find that using paper is more effective.
  3. For big events, make a checklist of everything you need. Ask an adult to read over the list for you to make sure you did not forget anything. Use your checklist to pack, checking off items as you put them in your bag or in the car. Ideally do this the night before, leaving only perishable items for the day of -- you are far more likely to remember everything you need when you are not rushing to be somewhere on time or stressed about an important event.
  4. Use a homework checklist every night before you get started to make sure you do all of your assignments and are thoughtful in the way you will tackle them.
  5. Use a subject-specific checklist for each of your classes/topics so you are sure to do your assignments thoroughly and accurately. Expect that you will need a different checklist for each subject, though some basic elements might be consistent across: carefully read the directions for each section, your name, date and class are on the paper, you answered every question, and hand-written work is legible with stray marks erased. Print copies so you can use these nightly. Check-off each item as it is completed to ensure you do not skip a step. Students often accidentally skip items when reading on a screen.
  6. Here is a proofreading checklist for writing and a list to math checklist for double checking to get you started.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

When we are anxious we are also forgetful. Anxiety can interfere with your ability to focus, remember, and think clearly. Creating a checklist when you are relaxed and can carefully think through everything you need will reduce the chance you forget important items. You will also lessen stress knowing you can rely on the checklist rather than your memory which will also help your performance.