Content Summary

Lesson 1: Introduction to time management

Key Terms:
Time management: The process of organising and planning how to divide your time between different
activities.
Time management skills: Skills that allow you to manage your tasks within a given timeframe to make
your time and workload more manageable.

TIME MANAGEMENT INCLUDES:

 Planning your day well in advance:
Prepare a To-Do List or a “TASK PLAN”. Jot down the important activities that need to be done in a
single day against the time that should be allocated to each activity. High-priority work should be at the
top, followed by those that do not need to be focused on right now, but at a later stage. Complete
pending tasks one by one. Do not begin fresh work unless you have finished your previous task. Tick the
ones you have already completed. Ensure you finish the tasks within the stipulated time frame. Even
though planning our time is important, it is just as important to have balance and time to do the other
things you enjoy. A break can do wonders for our motivation!

 Setting goals and objectives: (Think back to when you learnt about GOAL SETTING and how that can
help you figure out where you are going and what you want to achieve.)
Working without goals and targets would be like a ship captain losing his way in the sea. Yes, you would
be lost. Set targets for yourself and make sure they are realistic and achievable.

 Setting deadlines:
Deadlines can help you strive hard to complete tasks ahead of the deadlines. Do not wait for your
teachers or tutors to ask you every time. Learn to take ownership and responsibility for your work. The
one person who can best set deadlines and timeframes is you. Ask yourself how much time needs to be
devoted to a particular task and for how many days. Use a planner to mark the important dates against
the set deadlines.

 Prioritising tasks:
Prioritise tasks as per their importance and urgency. Know the difference between important and
urgent work. Identify which tasks should be done within a day, month, etc. Most important tasks
should be done earlier.

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 Spending the right amount of time on the right activity:
Develop the habit of doing the right thing at the right time. Work done at the wrong time is not of
much use. It’s the same as needing to be somewhere important at a certain time but missing your bus
or train because you don't have the correct information or haven’t planned properly. Planning what
you’re doing and how long things should take is important.

ADVANTAGES OF TIME MANAGEMENT

 Less stress: If your time is managed well, you will be less stressed
and do less rushing around to try and get things done. By
dedicating time to your tasks, you can complete them properly,
have time for yourself, and be able to spend time with friends and
family. This will help you find balance in all aspects of your life.
 Time to exercise, sleep and eat properly: When you manage your
time well, you will have time for other activities and ensure a
balanced lifestyle. Being on track with tasks, homework and
exercise will mean you can fit more activities in and still do the
things you enjoy.
 Improvement of your marks: Submitting tasks and assignments on time and thoroughly completing the
required work can potentially improve your marks.
 You won’t miss any important deadlines: Planning in advance means you will have time to complete
things and prevent tasks and jobs from piling up and reaching the point where you are scrambling to do
everything last minute. Proper planning counts towards being proactive, thinking ahead and doing
things on your terms, in a way that suits you best. Things will be easier for you and keep your
relationships with family and friends healthy. You won’t have to worry about anyone nagging or
checking up on you because you will always have everything under control.
 Prepares you for life and studies after school: Once you leave school, it is expected that you can
manage your time, whether at college, university, Technikon or in the workplace – managing your time
will make things less stressful. By managing your time well, you have the freedom to be the creator of
your destiny. You decide what you get to do and what you say YES to. Poor time management can
cause your "to-do list" to take control of your day, leaving you feeling like you're missing out because
you're forced to say "no" when you'd rather say "yes." Developing effective time management skills is
essential to avoid this.

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Lesson 2: Accountability in carrying out responsibilities and organisation

ACCOUNTABILITY
Being accountable is about taking responsibility/ownership for our choices and actions and what happens
because of those choices and actions. Instead of blaming others or making excuses, you focus on making
amends when things go wrong. It allows you to learn from your mistakes. Accountability means
understanding your roles and responsibilities and knowing what is expected of you. For instance, your
teacher expects you to come to school prepared, with your workbook ready for your Life Orientation
lessons. If you arrive without it, you must face the consequences and take responsibility for your actions
instead of blaming others.

Being in school, you and only you are responsible for your performance. Yes, your teachers are there to
guide you and your family is there to help you but it all comes down to YOU. It’s up to you to do your
homework and tasks to the best of your ability and to study and prepare as best you can for your tests and
assessments. By practising time management and using the skills you have learnt in Grade 9, you will be
able to cope with the increased workload and responsibility for the remainder of high school and beyond.
Remember, organisation directly saves time by reducing the effort needed to complete tasks and makes
achieving goals more efficient and manageable.

USING TIME EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY

We often use words like effective and efficient and talk about using our time "effectively" or "efficiently".
Efficiency and effectiveness are NOT the same thing.
 Efficiency is the ability to achieve a goal with minimal waste of time, money, and effort,
demonstrating competence in performance.
 Effectiveness is the extent to which something achieves its intended goal or produces the desired
result.

Sometimes it’s more tempting to catch up with friends, go out, join video calls, make TikToks, or scroll
through social media. While these activities are enjoyable, they can become distractions that prevent us
from using our time effectively and efficiently. By practising time management, we can stay on top of our
schoolwork while still enjoying the activities we love.

THINGS WE CAN DO TO MANAGE OUR TIME EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY

 Use a notepad or a diary: A notepad or a diary allows us to record tasks we need to do, which can help
us to manage our time. It's easier to keep track of things if we know what to do. We will also be less
likely to double book or get our schedules confused.
 Getting enough sleep: Ensuring that we get enough sleep is crucial. Your body rejuvenates and resets
during sleep, which helps you to get ready for the next day. Our health and performance will suffer if
we do not get enough sleep.
 Listening and concentrating during class: Concentrating for long periods and staying focused in class
can be challenging. However, it's important to actively listen to what is being taught. Active listening
helps us absorb and retain more information effectively.

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 Revision: Although it may seem boring, revising and reviewing what we’ve covered in class is essential.
Practising and reviewing the material helps us solidify our understanding, make sense of what was
taught, and, most importantly, stay on track. There is a strong connection between the goals we set
and how we manage our time. Both are crucial and can be incredibly effective in helping us succeed.
 Organising and planning: By organising and planning we can use our time effectively and efficiently.
Knowing what we need to do and when we need to do it means less panic and last-minute scrambling.
 Trying to enjoy studying: Achieving good results can be very rewarding.
Understanding work and getting the results we deserve, develops a deep
sense of satisfaction that we accomplished our goals. Look at studying
time as a privilege and something to enjoy rather than as a dreaded task.
Tasks can feel draining and boring, but viewing it as a stepping stone to
something better, can make it more enjoyable.
 Avoid procrastination: Saying, "I'll do it later" or "I'll just watch 30
minutes of TV and then do my homework" is tempting, but before we
know it, those 30 minutes – or even two hours – have passed, and we
still haven’t started our homework. To avoid procrastination, break tasks
into smaller, manageable steps, set specific deadlines, eliminate
distractions, and stay focused on one task at a time. Creating a routine
and rewarding yourself for completing tasks can also help maintain
motivation.

Lesson 3: Reading and writing for different purposes

Reading and writing go beyond just schoolwork; they serve multiple purposes. It's not just about studying,
reading a paragraph, or writing an essay.

READING
At its core, reading is the process of interpreting symbols and letters to form words and sentences we can
understand. But it’s much more than that – we read for information, relaxation, or to learn. Reading allows
us to gather knowledge independently, without relying on others. For example, reading a menu helps us
see what’s available at the tuckshop and know the prices, saving us from asking about each item.

 Reading for information is a way of looking things up and accessing information to find something out.
Examples of these texts include instructions, letters or brochures.
 Reading for relaxation could involve enjoying a book, learning about sporting or cultural heroes,
discovering new hobbies or pastimes, or even reading a comic or graphic novel. Many people use
reading to escape their current situations and explore new worlds or experiences different from their
own.
 Reading for learning can open endless avenues of knowledge and doesn't have to be limited to
schoolwork. It enhances our vocabulary, improves comprehension, and offers valuable insights. Beyond
just acquiring knowledge, it can be highly beneficial and enriching in many aspects of life.

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 SKIMMING: Get the
overall idea by looking for
a cue to deduce ideas.

VISUALISING: Convert SCANNING: Look for

words to images to specific info in a large
understand events, settings amount of text.
and characters. READING
STRATEGI
ES

FOCUSING: Read every INTERACTING: Return and

work accurately as every refer back to the text
word has equal importance. frequently.

Reading skills are essential for learners to comprehend, analyse, and evaluate texts across different
disciplines.

WRITING
Writing is the process of using symbols (letters of the alphabet, punctuation, and spaces) to communicate
thoughts and ideas in a readable form. Like reading, writing can also be done for different reasons. We
often write something down: maybe you are making a list, writing notes, giving instructions, or completing
a school assignment. Writing is a form of communication and a very important skill – it is used in the
workplace, in academics, for personal reasons, and in record keeping.

TYPES OF WRITING
o Narrative writing tells a story and can be either fiction or nonfiction. Narrative texts typically have a
beginning, middle, and end, and use characters, setting, and plot to create the story.
o Descriptive writing creates a picture with words, using vivid language to describe people, places,
things, or events. Descriptive text can be found in many genres, including essays and poetry.
o Expository writing explains or informs by presenting facts, definitions, or processes concisely.
Expository text can be found in many genres, including news articles and informational books for
children, e.g. visual encyclopaedias and pictorial information books such as the DK Encyclopaedias and
National Geographic series.
o Argumentative or opinion writing persuades the reader to agree with a particular point of view, by
using evidence, logic, and reasoning to support the claims. Argumentative text can be found in essays,
editorials, and speeches.

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SUMMARISING
Summarising means taking the key points of a text and putting them into your own words, but in a much
shorter form. It’s not just about cutting out parts. It’s about understanding and clearly sharing the main
ideas.

Why is it important?
 Better understanding: It helps you focus on the most important ideas and ignore unnecessary details.
 Improved memory: Summarising makes it easier to remember what you’ve read.
 Boosted writing skills: It helps you communicate clearly and concisely.

You can use summaries to study smarter, review quicker, and even organise your thoughts better.
Summarising is a valuable skill for all subjects, helping you learn more effectively and think critically about
the information you read.

SUMMARY OF READING AND WRITING

WRITING READING

Journals For INFORMATION

Meaning of words
Messages Public information
Labels
Study Notes

For LEISURE
Instructions
Books and novels for enjoyment
Graphic novels
Summarising: Interests
Bullet Points
Memories For LEARNING
Tables + Pictogrpahs Instructions
Mindamps World news
Keywords Studying

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Lesson 4: Improving reading and writing skills and keeping a journal

BENEFITS OF IMPROVING READING AND WRITING SKILLS

As you've learned, reading and writing are both very important skills and there are things we can do to
improve them. Reading can help in all aspects of our lives and if we read efficiently, we can absorb
information easily and increase our understanding. Good writing skills help us to be able to communicate
our ideas and knowledge effectively, as well as being able to get our point across in an exam or an
assessment.

Suggestions to improve reading skills:

• By practising every day, reading speed and accuracy will increase. This means you can read more in a
shorter space of time. The more you read the better you will become.
• You can test yourself after reading a chapter or an extract and see how much you remember.
• Reading conditions are also important. Good lighting and few distractions can make the process
easier.

STRATEGIES TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR COMPREHENSION

Expand your vocabulary
Understanding the meanings of words enhances your ability to grasp the text. To build your vocabulary,
you can:
o Take an online quiz to assess your current vocabulary level.
o Use flashcards to review unfamiliar words weekly.
o Incorporate newly learned words into your verbal and written communication.
o Read widely to improve your ability to infer meanings from context.
o Keep a list of unfamiliar words while reading and look them up.

Ask questions about the text

Formulating questions about your reading can deepen your engagement and understanding. This practice
encourages you to explore themes, motifs, and other elements you might otherwise overlook. Consider
asking:
o Why did the author start the book in this location?
o What kind of relationship exists between these two characters?
o What insights do we have about the main character so far?
o Are there recurring themes in the text? If so, what do they signify?

Utilise context clues

Context clues help you make sense of unfamiliar vocabulary. Focus on the words and sentences
surrounding an unknown word to infer its meaning. Pay attention to key phrases or ideas in a sentence and
look for synonyms or antonyms nearby.

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Identify the main idea
Recognising the main idea of a paragraph or article is crucial for understanding its significance. Periodically
pause while reading to determine the main idea, then try to rephrase it in your own words to reinforce
your comprehension.

Summarise what you read

Writing a summary is an excellent way to consolidate your understanding. This process involves identifying
the key points in the text and articulating them in your own words, which helps improve retention and
comprehension.

Break the reading into smaller sections

For longer or more challenging texts, try breaking the material into smaller chunks. For example, read two
paragraphs at a time, then pause to summarise what you’ve just read mentally. This approach can reduce
feelings of overwhelm and enhance your ability to comprehend the content.

Pace Yourself
Pacing yourself is an effective strategy for improving comprehension. Set achievable goals for your reading
sessions, especially with challenging literature. Instead of aiming to finish a book in two days, commit to
reading three chapters each night. This allows you time to process the information between sessions and
helps you stay motivated.

By incorporating these strategies, you'll enhance your reading comprehension and enjoy a richer
understanding of the texts you engage with.

Suggestions to improve writing skills

• Making use of a dictionary can help understand words that you're unsure of, and ultimately increase
your vocabulary. In a textbook, you will often find a glossary for this purpose.
• Practising your writing as much as possible (especially if writing in a second language) will also help
to strengthen your skills. Practising longer paragraph-style answers can also help you in expressing
yourself.
• Paying attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure – it is important to
reread your work once you've finished to make sure that everything makes sense.
• Comprehension is important. You need to be able to understand the information that you've read so
that you can answer questions correctly. Plagiarism should always be avoided.
• Handwriting, writing speed and neatness (the mechanics of writing) are also important. Correct
posture and pencil grip are important.

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KEEPING A JOURNAL
A journal is a personal record of experiences, often more detailed than a
diary, with more descriptions and reflections on events. People may use
different formats, such as notebooks, exercise books, or blank journals,
to document their thoughts. Journals are deeply personal and unique to
each individual. While some diaries serve historical or political purposes,
others are simply a way to clear the mind and put thoughts on paper. For
example, The Diary of Anne Frank is a historical journal, documenting the
experiences of a young girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II.

JOURNALING FOR TEENAGERS

Journaling is a great outlet for teeenagers looking to
relax, practice gratitude, and gain a better
understanding of themselves. Journaling can be
helpful if you're struggling with stress, strong
emotions, or similar challenges. It involves recording
your thoughts, feelings and insights and can be done
through writing, drawing, or typing, whether on
paper or a computer. It's a simple, low-cost way to
improve mental health. While starting can feel like
work, and the idea of journaling every day may seem
overwhelming, the positive effects can still be felt
even if it's done less frequently.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING
 Goal achievement: Writing down your goals in a journal helps you track your intentions more
effectively. This practice keeps you accountable and serves as a reminder of what you need to do to
reach those goals. Be specific to maximise effectiveness.
 Progress tracking and growth: Making journaling a regular habit allows you to revisit past entries
and see how much progress you’ve made over time.
 Gaining self-confidence: Reflecting on your progress can provide a significant confidence boost. It’s
empowering to look back at the challenges you’ve overcome and recognise how far you’ve come.
 Improves writing and communication skills: Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Regular
journaling hones your writing abilities and helps you articulate your thoughts more clearly,
enhancing your overall communication skills.
 Reduces stress and anxiety: Negative thoughts and emotions can often play on repeat in our
minds, increasing stress during challenging times. Putting these feelings on paper can help release
them, and as you write, you may even discover solutions you hadn’t considered before.
 Source of inspiration: Leonardo da Vinci sketched innovative ideas in his journals. You, too, can use
journaling as a space for brainstorming or letting your imagination flow. The inspiration that
emerges while writing or sketching can be surprising.
 Strengthens memory: Research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology shows that
writing down your thoughts can help reduce intrusive thoughts about negative events and improve
working memory. The simple act of writing signals to your brain that you want to remember
something, which is why note-taking is such an effective learning tool.

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TYPES OF JOURNALING

Stream of Consciousness: Write down your thoughts as they come. Don’t worry about making
sense; just capture your ideas in the moment.

Dream Journal: Record your dreams every night to connect with your subconscious. Try to
write in it right after you wake up.

Food Journal: Track what you eat each day. This helps you become more mindful about your
food choices, especially if you're focusing on healthy eating.

Fitness Journal: Log your workouts to stay committed to an active lifestyle. It’s rewarding to
see your progress over time.

Gratitude Journal: Before bed, list everything you’re thankful for that day, week, or month.

Sketch Journal: Express your feelings and thoughts through drawings, doodles, or sketches.

Day’s Events Journal: Note your daily experiences, like a funny conversation or a new recipe
you tried.

To-Do List: Write down your tasks instead of keeping them in your head. You can cross them
off as you complete them, giving you a sense of accomplishment.

No matter which type of journal you choose, remember there’s no right or wrong way to do it. What
matters is taking the time to connect with your mind, body, and spirit.

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