Do you often forget to do your homework? Did you arrive unprepared for the class test? Getting into the habit of using a diary could be the solution to your organizational problems. Creating a diary is easy and fun; moreover, once you have reproduced the main structure by following some simple basic rules, you will be free to customize it according to your needs. Have fun creating your project; once ready, you will need to remember to fill it out and check it every day to make sure you don't miss a thing!
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Choosing and Preparing the Journal
Step 1. Get a notebook
You can buy it new or you can use one you already have at home, the important thing is to choose the appropriate size. If you want to add a large number of details, perhaps it is better to choose a thick notebook; However, remember that a small diary takes up little space, so it is easier to carry and always keep close at hand.
- In addition to the size, you can choose the type of binding. The notebooks with the spiral open completely allowing you to write easily even on the left page, but unlike the common ones they could damage books and notebooks precisely because of the spiral.
- If you like to organize all your notes in one place, consider purchasing a notebook with one or more internal or external pockets.
- If you want to create a biweekly diary instead of listing your daily tasks, it may be better to use a squared notebook so that it is easier to draw the table.
Step 2. Write your name on the second cover page
Also add any information needed to find you in case your diary gets lost. For example, write the name of your school, the class and your phone number.
Step 3. Copy or attach the lesson timetable on the first page of the notebook
In this way you will always have it with you and it will be very easy to consult.
Part 2 of 5: Decorate the Journal
Step 1. Think about how you want to decorate the outer cover
Do you like stickers or do you prefer cartoons? Do you like to cut out funny pictures and text from magazines to create interesting collages? Do you enjoy creating daisies with white-out and highlighters?
- If you like comics, you can draw a strip or your favorite hero on the cover.
- Whatever your choice, make sure it will last over time. For example, if you glue some sequins or glitter to the cover you could risk them coming off and ending up at the bottom of the folder.
Step 2. Prepare all the necessary materials
Once you know how you want to proceed, make a list of everything you need. Tempera, markers, glue, colored pencils, group all the material you have chosen on the work table to have it at hand.
Step 3. Get started
Decorating the outer cover is the best way to make your diary unique. The more it will seem akin to your tastes and personality, the more you will want to use it; you will feel proud of your creative ability and want to show it to everyone!
Part 3 of 5: Writing the Assignments
Step 1. Open the second page of the notebook
Open it on the table so that you can see both the left page (the back of the first page) and the right page clearly.
Step 2. Divide the right page into three sections
You can choose to create three columns or three rows, depending on your preferences and what you find most convenient.
- You can change the number of sections per page based on the size of your notebook and the amount of assignments you need to write down.
- Organize the pages in the way that feels right to you. The goal is that they are easy to use and consult every day. A diary that seems awkward to use is certainly not a tool that can help you organize and complete your tasks.
Step 3. Mark each section with the date and day of the week
For example, write Monday, March 3, Tuesday, March 4, Wednesday, March 5, and so on. In each section you will have to write down the tasks that were assigned to you that day.
If you have structured the sections horizontally, you can use the right margin, or create a separate column, to note by when you need to perform each task
Step 4. Mark the left page with the title "After School" or "Upcoming Events"
In this part you can keep track of extracurricular activities, such as music, dance or sporting events. You can break it down over the different days, just like you did for the right page, or you can just list all the activities in chronological order.
If you need to write down other things to remember, you can add additional sections to this same page. The more information there is, the more frequently you will consult the diary. Remember that if you can use it regularly, the chances of forgetting the important tasks you have been assigned will be less
Part 4 of 5: Creating a Biweekly Journal (Alternate Pattern)
Step 1. Open the diary on the second page
Rotate it so that it is horizontal.
Step 2. Draw a table consisting of two rows and six columns
Use a ruler to get a neater result. Make sure each square of the table is large enough to hold the task list.
If you have chosen a small notebook, it may be best to make a single horizontal line. It is certainly better to view only one week per page than to have boxes that are too small to hold all the information you need to remember
Step 3. Mark each column with a day of the week
Start by writing "Monday" above the first column, then continue writing "Tuesday" on the second, "Wednesday" on the third and so on, until you get to Friday. The sixth and last column is reserved for the weekend, so you can title it either "Weekend" or "Saturday and Sunday".
Step 4. Specify the time span at the top of the page
For example, from Monday 3rd February to Sunday 16th February.
Step 5. Open the notebook so that you can see both pages clearly
Rotate it to bring it back to vertical.
Step 6. Mark the left page with the title "Upcoming Events"
If the boxes in the table you drew on the right page are large enough, you can use them to record extracurricular activities as well; if not, you can write them down together with scheduled events.
Part 5 of 5: Adding the Final Details
Step 1. For convenience, you can add a few more sections to the back of the notebook
For example, you can have a page for describing your monthly or semester goals, another for writing down your school calendar, one for writing down phone numbers and birthdays, and so on.
Step 2. Mark the different sections with colored adhesive labels
Using the diary will be much more convenient if you can open it directly to the desired page.
Step 3. Use the diary to keep track of all your homework and commitments
Remember to record all the assignments that are assigned to you every day. If the teachers don't give you any assignments, write them down in your diary - once you get home, you won't be afraid that you have forgotten to write them down.
Advice
- You could also record your schedule using an app or mobile phone, but research has shown that putting the information in writing helps you remember it better in the future. If there is even the slightest chance that you may forget an important commitment, write it down in your diary; in addition to being more likely to remember it, you will also have a safe reference to consult in case of need.
- Try recording assignments on the day you need to turn them in rather than the day you are assigned. Thanks to this method it will be easier to organize yourself better, set the right priorities and use your time more efficiently in view of the most demanding projects or those days when the tasks that have been assigned to you are really numerous. Just don't forget to watch the next few days!
- If you know your teachers often change their minds, it's best to write in pencil. Deleting information instead of crossing it allows you to keep the pages in order.
- Consult the syllabus for all subjects at the beginning of each semester. If some teachers assign you several assignments in advance, you can write them down on the right day or you can create an overall table for the entire semester that gives you an overview of the work to be done.
- You can code the assignments using colored pens or markers. You can assign a different color to each subject, each task (for example, theme, exercise, research) or you can distinguish the different tasks in order of priority (urgent, for the following week, etc.).
- Have fun! Write motivational phrases on each page, record what you eat for lunch, take note of the most important things you have learned, or describe the most bizarre episodes that happen in class.
- If you prefer to use single sheets instead of a notebook, you can keep them in order with a ring binder. In addition to the sheets, you can insert document folders, colored cards to separate the different sections and a pen pocket.
- If you have long-term goals that relate to everyday life, like going for a run every day or reading one chapter of a book a week, use your journal to track your progress. You can add a note to the daily section or you can create a separate page dedicated exclusively to your milestones. Use symbols, colors, decorations, etc., to make it visually interesting.
