Time Management & The Importance of Education

Presented By:  John Campbell
Teacher: SRSB
Education Advisor 
Islander Hockey

*This program has been developed by Mike MacDougall, our former Education Mentor here with the Islanders. Mike has been instrumental in getting the NSMMHL to implement this Mentorship role throughout the league.

EDUCATION:

To whom it may concern:

Our commitment to excellence in the Cape Breton West Islanders Major Midget Hockey Program includes assisting all our players, past, present and future with their educational needs. It is our purpose to help each player clarify his educational goals as they pursue their hockey careers.

In my role as Educational Advisor with the Islanders, I assist the coaching staff in providing guidance to all players in organizing and managing their studies during the hockey season. Some of my duties are providing time management and study skill seminars for the players, conducting individual meetings with the players to discuss their academics, their educational goals, developing an educational player profile for interested institutions and maintaining contact with individual schools. 

Part of this process is to identify those individuals who are interested in pursuing education and athletics at a post secondary institution (University) in Canada or the United States. Those that are interested in playing Major Junior, taking correspondence courses and/or attending a Canadian University are also given direction and support.

Our program is committed to helping all of our players reach their goals in achieving athletic and academic success. I look forward to the possibility of helping you achieve yours in the future. Should you have any questions concerning our educational package, please call any time at (902) 787-2171 (home) or email johncf1955@gmail.com.
 

Sincerely,
John Campbell,
Teacher, Strait Regional School Board
 

EFFORT SCALE

1        2        3        4       5        6        7        8        9        10

Your effort in everything that you do, that is of value to you, should be at least 8 out of 10.

Apply this scale to your daily efforts and the results will be positive.
 

Educational Tips a Hockey Player Needs to Consider

School Efforts: 

1. Regular attendance in class. Miss as little time as possible after late games and practices, you will miss enough time for tournaments.
2. Be on time for all classes (no lates).
3. Be aware of where and whom you sit with in a particular class (you need to hear the teacher, don’t let others distract you). 
4. Your personal relationship with a teacher.
5. Homework and assignments in on time.
6. Participating in classroom activities (discussions).
7. Ask for help if you don’t understand (go to extra help classes, most teachers will provide help if asked).

Time Management:

1. Make a monthly plan and a weekly timetable.
2. Plan your week around school and hockey first (jobs, chores, other activities second).
3. Plan regular study sessions for homework (stick to the plan-get into a habit).
4. Plan your gym workouts on a regular basis (the same as practices).
5. Write down test and examination dates and assignment due dates.

Study Skills:

1. Have a regular time if possible to do school work (make a schedule and try to stick to it).
2. Study 1 ½  to 2 hours per session.
3. Include reading, math and writing as study time.
4. Take breaks every 25-30 minutes (5-10 minute breaks).
5. Don’t study too late at night (your mind and body need lots of rest).
6. Find a suitable place to study (well lit table or desk with quiet).

You Have to take responsibility for your learning. Don’t rely on others. Your parents, friends, teachers and advisors are a great support but only you can do it! 
 

Time Management Skills

Download and print the Time Management Schedule (PDF) for you to use. You are to keep a record of how you spend each hour of your day for a whole week including the weekend. This schedule will help you to use your time more effectively and efficiently. Work out a schedule on the sheets provided and copy it into your computer or phone. Tape a copy above your regular study area at home.

Step 1:  Plan: Look at the time slots that are always fixed (occur at the same time each day). These include Monday to Friday, when you get up, breakfast, lunch and supper time, your classes and any part-time work. Don’t forget travel time to and from school. Times will differ slightly for weekends.

Step 2: Prioritize: Fill in the favourite TV shows that you would not like to miss and any chores and recreational activities you must complete for the week.

Step 3: Schedule: Start looking for blocks of time that are open and can be put to good use. Fill in the spaces where you can consistently schedule your homework 1 ½ to 3 hours per night depending on grade level. This should be uninterrupted study time with no phone calls, internet and no TV. 

*Remember that homework (projects, assignments and studying for tests) can take place on road trips. Take your books and laptops along and make good use of this time.