How can I teach planning and prioritizing in high school?

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Struggling Learners in High School

Struggling learners in high school often find planning and prioritizing overwhelming, especially with increased coursework and new responsibilities. Many parents notice their teens forgetting deadlines, starting assignments late, or feeling stressed about juggling school, activities, and social life. If your child seems to be falling behind or feeling anxious about their workload, you are not alone. Experts in child development note that adolescence is a key time when executive function skills, including planning and prioritization, are still developing. With understanding and the right strategies, parents can help high school students build these essential habits for school and beyond.

Definitions

Planning means breaking tasks into steps and mapping out when and how they will get done.

Prioritization is deciding which tasks are most important and should be done first, especially when time or energy is limited.

Common Mistakes Parents Make When Teaching Planning and Prioritizing in High School

Many parents want to help their teens become more organized and independent, but teaching planning and prioritizing in high school can be tricky. Here are some frequent mistakes, why they might happen, and what you can do instead:

1. Expecting Teens to “Just Know” How to Plan

It is easy to assume that high schoolers should be able to manage their own schedules or know how to break down big projects. However, executive function skills like planning and prioritizing are still developing in the teenage brain. Many teachers and parents report that even high-achieving students struggle to manage long-term assignments or balance multiple commitments. Instead of assuming your child “should know by now,” try modeling how you plan your own week and talk through your thought process.

2. Doing All the Planning for Them

When your child is overwhelmed, it can be tempting to take over their calendar, write out their to-do list, or chase after deadlines for them. While this may help in the short term, it prevents your child from practicing these skills. Instead, aim to coach rather than rescue. Sit together and ask guiding questions like, “What is due first?” or “How long do you think this will take?”

3. Focusing Only on Academics

Planning and prioritizing are not just about homework. Teens juggle extracurriculars, chores, jobs, and friendships. If you only talk about schoolwork, your child might overlook how daily life requires these skills too. Encourage your teen to think about their whole week, including time for rest, hobbies, and social connections.

4. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Many parents hope their teen will get it right the first time or quickly become independent. In reality, learning to plan and prioritize is a gradual process with setbacks. Celebrate progress, no matter how small. If your child misses a deadline, use it as a learning opportunity rather than a moment for blame.

Why Is Teaching Planning and Prioritizing in High School So Challenging?

High school brings more freedom and higher expectations, but not all students are ready for the sudden jump in responsibility. Teaching planning and prioritizing in high school can feel like an uphill battle because:

• The teenage brain is still developing the ability to manage time, anticipate future consequences, and resist distractions.
• Some students, especially those with ADHD or other learning differences, need extra support to build these skills.
• Academic workloads can be unpredictable, with multiple long-term projects or overlapping exams.
• Social lives, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs add complexity to daily routines.

Experts recommend that rather than expecting perfection, parents should offer ongoing support, practice, and encouragement. Mistakes are normal parts of the learning process.

How Can I Help High School Students Prioritize?

If you want to help high school students prioritize, begin by making the process visible and collaborative. Sit down together at the start of each week and look over upcoming assignments, activities, and personal commitments. Ask your teen to identify which tasks are most urgent or important, and why. This conversation teaches your child to weigh deadlines, effort, and impact. For example, “Is it more important to finish the science lab due tomorrow, or start the history paper due next week?” Encourage your child to use a simple tool, like a weekly planner or a digital calendar, to track priorities. Over time, your teen will gain confidence in making these decisions independently.

Practical Strategies for Teaching Planning and Prioritizing in High School

• Model the process. Share how you decide what to do first in your own day, and talk through your reasoning.
• Break big tasks into steps. Work with your teen to break down projects, then estimate how much time each step will take. Use visual aids like checklists or timelines.
• Encourage reflection. After a busy week, ask your child what worked and what did not. Problem-solve together for next time.
• Use real-life examples. If your teen wants to get a driver’s license or save for a trip, show how planning and prioritizing help reach those goals.
• Offer choices, not ultimatums. Instead of “You must do your homework now,” ask, “Which would you like to tackle first—your math or your English assignment?”
• Celebrate progress. Recognize small wins, like meeting a deadline or sticking to a weekly plan.

For more ideas on related topics, explore our study habits resource for high schoolers.

Grade Band Focus: High School Planning & Prioritization

In high school, students are expected to manage complex schedules, juggle multiple subjects, and plan for future goals like college or careers. Here are some grade-specific tips for teaching planning and prioritizing in high school:

• Freshmen (Grade 9): Start with simple planners and help your child write down assignments and activities. Celebrate attempts to plan, even if things do not go perfectly.
• Sophomores (Grade 10): Encourage your child to look ahead at major assignments and set mini-deadlines. Practice using weekly and monthly calendars.
• Juniors (Grade 11): With increased pressures like SAT and ACT prep, help your child prioritize test prep alongside regular school work. Discuss how to balance academics, activities, and downtime.
• Seniors (Grade 12): Support your teen in balancing college applications, senior projects, and social commitments. Talk about how planning and prioritization skills will serve them after graduation.

Parent Question: My Teen Refuses to Plan—What Should I Do?

It is common for high schoolers to resist planning, especially if they feel overwhelmed or fear being micromanaged. If your child refuses to use a planner, try negotiating a system together. Ask what has worked for them in the past and what feels overwhelming now. Offer to help set up a simple system, like using phone reminders or sticky notes. Remind your teen that you are a partner in solving problems, not just enforcing rules.

Addressing Emotional Barriers to Planning and Prioritizing

Some struggling learners avoid planning because of anxiety, perfectionism, or fear of failure. If your child gets stuck, focus on listening and normalizing their feelings. Say things like, “Many students your age find this hard,” or “It is okay to feel nervous about big projects.” Work together to find solutions, such as breaking tasks into smaller pieces or using positive self-talk. Let your teen know that making mistakes is part of learning.

When to Seek Extra Support

If your child continues to struggle despite your efforts, it may be time to involve a teacher, school counselor, or tutor. Sometimes an underlying issue, like ADHD or a learning difference, makes executive function tasks more challenging. Professional support can provide specialized strategies and accountability. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not failure.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands the unique challenges high school students and their families face when building planning and prioritization skills. Our experienced tutors work closely with students and parents to develop practical routines, boost confidence, and foster independence. With personalized guidance, your child can learn how to manage their time, stay organized, and feel more in control of their schoolwork and daily life. Whether your teen needs occasional check-ins or ongoing support, K12 Tutoring is here to help your family every step of the way.

Related Resources

• Time Management for Kids: Build Better Routines (Without Nagging) – Positive Parenting Solutions
• 5 Steps for Collaborative Goal Setting – Edutopia
• What Is Time Management And Why Is It Important? – NSHSS

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].