Managing Homework in High School

Jan 14, 2026 | Educational Resources, Hands on Learning

January is a fresh start with new beginnings.  It is also a time to transform your academics and put some strong strategies into place!

Here are practical planning tips for a high school student to manage homework effectively and with less stress.

While we compiled a list of 10 ideas, pick ONE that you want to work on with your child and really focus on it!  And remember the motto, “progress over perfection!”

🗂️ 1. Write Everything Down

  • Use a planner, calendar app, or notebook
  • Record due dates, tests, and long-term projects
  • Check it every day after school

⏰ 2. Create a Daily Homework Routine

  • Pick a consistent time (e.g., 4:00–6:00 PM)
  • Study when your energy is highest
  • Take a short break after school before starting

🧠 3. Prioritize Tasks

Ask yourself:

  1. What’s due tomorrow?
  2. What’s most difficult?
  3. What will take the longest?

Do hard or urgent work first while your brain is fresh.

🧩 4. Break Big Assignments Into Steps

Instead of “Write history essay,” try:

  • Choose topic
  • Find sources
  • Create outline
  • Write draft
  • Edit

This makes big projects less overwhelming.

⏱️ 5. Use Time Blocks like the Pomodoro Method (Detailed blog on this to come)!

  • Work for 25–30 minutes
  • Take a 5-minute break
  • After 3–4 sessions, take a longer break

📵 6. Reduce Distractions

  • Put phone away or use Do Not Disturb
  • Study in a quiet, organized space
  • Use apps that block social media if needed

🎯 7. Set Small Goals

Examples:

  • “Finish 10 math problems”
  • “Read 5 pages”

CELEBRATE SMALL WINS!

🧠 8. Review Before Bed

  • Quickly check assignments
  • Pack your bag
  • Make a short plan for tomorrow

💤 9. Don’t Sacrifice Sleep

  • Aim for 8–9 hours
  • A rested brain works faster and remembers more

🏆 10. Reward Progress

  • Short walk, snack, music, or a favorite show
  • Rewards help build positive study habits

In conclusion, as mentioned above, make sure you choose ONE of these to start with.  Keep it simple to start.  Practice, model, reflect, repeat.  Let us know which you start with and then gradually add another technique as you see progress.

Live.Laugh.Learn,

Jenn, Owner of Teacher Time To Go