Understanding the Limitations of Traditional Planning Methods
Traditional planning methods, such as paper planners and even digital calendars like Google Calendar, often fall short for students with executive functioning difficulties. These tools require constant manual adjustments, which can be frustrating when plans change unexpectedly. As Peter, the CEO of Shovel, explains, traditional methods can lead to disorganized schedules and disconnected task lists, making it difficult for students to manage their workload effectively. Shovel addresses these issues by integrating schedules and tasks into one seamless platform, reducing the stress and confusion that often accompany traditional planning.

Empowering Your Child’s Executive Functioning with Shovel
Navigating college can be overwhelming for any student, but for those with executive functioning challenges, the journey can seem particularly daunting. As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your child through this transition. While schools may not always provide the tools needed to manage these challenges effectively, there are innovative solutions available that can make a significant difference. One such tool is Shovel, a comprehensive platform designed to streamline organizational and executive functioning needs for college students.
How Shovel Simplifies Time and Task Management
Shovel offers a user-friendly interface that resembles familiar calendar apps but includes key enhancements tailored to students’ needs. With features like a drag-and-drop builder, students can easily create and adjust their schedules. The platform also allows for importing tasks from various learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas and Brightspace, ensuring all assignments are in one place. This integration helps students visualize their time and plan their tasks more effectively, a crucial aspect of managing executive functioning challenges.
The goal here is to really create a schedule that is representative of what students do on a week-to-week basis.
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Setting Up Shovel: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
As a parent, you can assist your child in setting up Shovel to ensure they start the semester on the right foot. The process begins with setting the correct time zone, followed by entering class schedules and holidays. Shovel also allows students to set their awake times, which helps calculate available study time accurately. By guiding your child through these initial steps, you can help them build a realistic and manageable schedule. The platform’s ability to adjust for individual days and account for activities like commuting and me-time ensures that the schedule remains flexible and practical.
Key Takeaways:
Streamlined Task and Time Management: Shovel is designed to integrate task lists and calendars, allowing students to visually manage their time and tasks in one place. This tool helps students with learning challenges by providing a clear, organized view of their schedules and academic responsibilities, reducing the cognitive load associated with juggling multiple platforms.
Realistic Planning and Adjustments: Shovel's features enable students to set realistic study times and make adjustments as needed. By calculating available study time and providing visual cues like the "cushion" graph, it helps students understand their workload and make informed decisions about their schedules, which is crucial for those with executive function difficulties.
Encouraging Routine and Focus: The app encourages the development of routines and focused study sessions by allowing students to plan their tasks and track their progress. Features like timers and notifications help initiate tasks and maintain engagement, supporting students in building effective study habits and reducing the anxiety associated with managing academic demands.
Enhancing Problem Solving Skills and Focus with Shovel
One of the most valuable aspects of Shovel is its ability to help students develop Problem Solving Skills. By providing a visual representation of their workload and available study time, students can identify when they need to make adjustments to their schedule. This proactive approach not only helps them manage their time better but also teaches them how to solve problems before they become overwhelming. Additionally, Shovel’s features, such as setting minimum study block times and prioritizing tasks, can significantly Improve Focus, helping students concentrate on one task at a time without the distraction of multitasking.
If they know that they’ll be working on their history essay during this time and all of their other tasks are also planned in the schedule, that gives them a sense of relief.
”Overcoming the Challenge of Executive Functioning for a Brighter Future
One of the specific challenges highlighted in the transcript is the difficulty students face with executive functioning, which can lead to disorganized schedules and increased stress. As a parent, your role is pivotal in helping your child overcome this challenge. By introducing them to tools like Shovel, you can empower them to manage their time and tasks more effectively, leading to a more organized and less stressful college experience. Additionally, utilizing resources such as Improve Focus https://learningsuccess.ai/resource-focus-foundations/ can further aid in enhancing their concentration and productivity. This not only improves their academic performance but also enhances their overall well-being and confidence, setting them up for success in their future endeavors.
Empower your child to overcome learning challenges with the Brain Bloom System, a tool designed to enhance their organizational skills and reduce academic stress, setting them up for success in college and beyond.