How I Plan and Prioritize My Tasks – A Fourth Grader’s Point of View
Hi! I’m a fourth grader, and lately, I’ve learned that life can get really busy. Between school, homework, art class, sports, and helping at home, sometimes it feels like my to-do list is longer than my pencil! But I’ve also discovered something cool — when you learn to plan and prioritize your tasks, everything feels a lot easier (and you still have time to play!). At first, I didn’t know what “prioritize” even meant. It sounded like one of those big words adults use when they’re trying to sound serious. But my teacher explained it this way: “Prioritizing means deciding what’s most important and doing that first.” That made sense. So now, I’ve come up with my own little system to keep things under control. I call it my “Plan Like a Pro” routine — and it actually works!
Step 1: Write It All Down
Every Sunday evening, I sit at my study table with a notebook and some colorful pens. I write down everything I need to do that week — school assignments, reading, projects, sports practice, and even fun stuff like drawing or baking with my dad. Seeing it all on paper helps me understand what’s waiting for me. Plus, I love using highlighters (they make my list look like a rainbow!).
Step 2: Pick the Big Rocks
My dad once told me a story about “big rocks and small pebbles.” If you put pebbles first in a jar, there’s no room for the big rocks. But if you put the big rocks first, everything fits! So now, I think of my “big rocks” as the most important things — like finishing my science project or preparing for a test. I do those first before worrying about smaller things like organizing my stickers or watching TV.
Step 3: Break It into Pieces
Sometimes a big task feels scary — like writing an essay or finishing a model for school. So I break it into smaller parts. For example, on Monday I’ll plan it, Tuesday I’ll write a draft, and Wednesday I’ll decorate it. When I finish each small part, I feel proud — it’s like climbing a mountain step by step!
Step 4: Use a “Top 3” List
Every morning before school, I choose my “Top 3” things to finish that day. It could be finishing math homework, cleaning my desk, and practicing my poem. This helps me focus instead of getting lost in a million little things. When I finish all three, I get a tiny reward — extra playtime or a comic book break!
Step 5: Don’t Forget Breaks and Fun
Planning is important, but so is having fun! I always make time to play outside, draw, or just relax. My teacher says that resting helps our brain recharge, and I think she’s right. When I come back from a break, I feel more energetic and creative.
Step 6: Reflect and Celebrate
On Friday nights, I look back at my list and check off everything I did. That’s my favorite part! It feels amazing to see all those colorful check marks. And even if I didn’t finish everything, I remind myself that I tried my best — and that’s what really matters.
What I’ve Learned
Planning doesn’t mean being serious all the time — it just means being smart with your time. I’ve learned that when I plan ahead, I don’t feel stressed or rushed. I can enjoy my learning and still do the things I love. It also makes my dad proud when he see me managing my own work!
So, if you’re a student like me and your week feels too busy, try making your own little plan. Write things down, choose your big rocks, and take it one step at a time. You’ll be surprised how much you can do when you organize your day — and you’ll still have time to play, laugh, and dream.
Because even as a fourth grader, I’ve learned one thing for sure — planning isn’t just for grown-ups. It’s for anyone who wants to make the most of every day!
K. S. Omnath
Parent of K. O. Vibusha (IV-B) & K. O. Dhananjayan (I-B)
Mahatma Global Gateway CBSE
