# Lesson 223: Using time wisely

❤️ SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (40 Lessons) • 🟡 C. Making Good Choices

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## Objective

I can talk about using my time wisely. I can give examples of what to do first and next, and how to balance small jobs and play in my day.

## Materials

- Plain paper or a notebook page
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Optional: simple timer, clock, or sand timer

## Mini-lesson — What does it mean to use time wisely?

Time is the minutes and hours in our day. We cannot keep time in a box, but we can choose how to use it.

Using time wisely means…

- Choosing what to do first and next.
- Doing our must-do jobs (like getting ready, homework, or tidying).
- Having time left for play and rest.
- Trying not to waste time on things that stop us from getting ready.

First, then, later

- First — a job that needs to happen (for example, getting dressed).
- Then — another job or small step (for example, brushing teeth).
- Later — playtime, reading, or a calm activity.

Example — School morning

- First: get dressed and put pajamas away.
- Then: eat breakfast and brush teeth.
- Later: if there is time, read a book or play quietly.

Example — After school

- First: put bag and shoes in their places.
- Then: do a small homework job or reading time.
- Later: playtime, drawing, or outside time.

When time slips away

- Sometimes we get distracted by toys or screens.
- We might run out of time for important things.
- We can notice this and try a different plan next time.

Adults can say: "Let us choose one small job first. Then we can see how much time is left for play."

Picture strip: "First, then, later"

## Guided Practice — First, then, later chart

You and an adult will make a simple first-then-later chart for one part of your day.

1. On a notebook page, draw three boxes in a row. Label them "First", "Then", and "Later".
2. Choose a time of day, such as morning or after school. Write or trace the time at the top of the page.
3. In the First box, the adult helps the child choose a must-do job for that time (for example, "Put on clothes" or "Hang up my bag"). Draw a picture and add a short label.
4. In the Then box, choose a second job or small routine step (for example, "Brush teeth" or "Read one page"). Draw and label it.
5. In the Later box, choose a play or calm activity (for example, "Play with blocks" or "Draw a picture"). Draw and label it.
6. Practise reading the chart aloud together: "First I…, then I…, later I…". The adult can ask: "How does it feel when we do the jobs first?" and "How does play feel after jobs are done?"

Tracing Pad
Lines
Trace
Pen

## Practice — My time choices

Use this practice to help your child notice different choices for the same time and how those choices change the day.

1. On a new page, draw two side-by-side boxes. Label one box "Rushed time" and the other "Wise time".
2. Pick one moment, such as "before school" or "after dinner". Write or trace the moment above the boxes.
3. In the Rushed time box, draw what happens if the child gets very distracted (for example, toys on the floor, not dressed yet, no time for play). Talk gently about how that might feel.
4. In the Wise time box, draw the same moment when they use time wisely (for example, dressed, bag ready, a small playtime at the end).
5. Ask: "What is different in these two pictures?" and "Which one helps us feel calmer?"
6. Choose one tiny change to try in real life (for example, "First I put on my clothes, then I play with one toy"). Draw a small star next to that change.

## Quick Check — Using time wisely

Answer each question about time choices, routines, and first-then planning.

1) What does it mean to use time wisely?

Do whatever you want and forget all jobs. Choose what to do first and next so there is time for jobs and play. Try to make the day as busy as possible.
Using time wisely means planning small steps for jobs and play.

2) Which is a first, then, later example?

"First I get dressed, then I eat, later I play." "I do everything at the same time." "I never think about what comes next."
This sentence shows jobs first and play later.

3) In the morning, what is a wise time choice?

Play with toys for a long time and forget to get dressed. Hide under the blanket until it is time to leave. Get dressed and eat first, then play if there is extra time.
Doing must-do jobs first helps mornings go smoothly.

4) After school, which plan uses time wisely?

Drop your bag anywhere and play until bedtime. Hang up your bag, do a small homework job, then play. Skip homework and hope it goes away.
Jobs and play can both fit when we plan the order.

5) What is a routine?

A set of steps you do in the same order most days. A surprise that changes every minute. A game that never has any rules.
Routines are repeated steps that help the day feel calmer.

6) You get distracted while getting ready. What is a helpful step?

Keep playing and hope time slows down. Get upset and give up on getting ready. Pause, remember your first-then chart, and go back to the next step.
We can notice distraction and return to our next job.

7) Why can it feel good to finish a job before play?

Because playtime disappears forever. Because you can relax more when the job is done. Because jobs are the only important part of the day.
Finishing a job can make playtime feel calmer and happier.

8) How might you feel inside when you use time wisely?

More calm and proud. Always worried and rushed. Exactly the same as when you forget every job.
Using time wisely can bring a feeling of calm and pride.

9) When should you ask an adult to help with time?

Never. You must handle time all alone. Only when you are already very upset. When routines feel confusing, rushed, or too hard to remember.
Adults can help you plan steps and make charts for your time.

10) What is one big goal of this lesson?

To fill every minute with more and more jobs. To help children use time wisely with small routines and first-then choices. To make sure there is never any time for play.
The goal is to balance jobs and play with simple time plans.

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Student can say in simple words what it means to use time wisely. Student can give at least one example of a first-then-later sequence from their day. Student can name one must-do job and one play activity and put them in a wise order. Student can explain that routines help mornings or evenings feel calmer. Student knows they can ask a trusted adult to help plan time when it feels hard.

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can use time wisely with first-then choices. 🙂 I know some ideas for using time wisely, but I still need practice. 😅 Using time wisely still feels tricky for me.

#### Next time I will practise…

Doing one small job before play Using a first-then chart Asking an adult to help me plan my time
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