Tip of the Week

April 1, 2025

5, 4, 3, 2, 1

For some students, keeping track of time until big deadlines or events can be a challenge. A digital countdown tool can provide a helpful visual reminder, making it easier to stay motivated and plan ahead.

Here’s how a countdown app can support executive function skills:

📅 Boost Motivation – Helps students see a clear endpoint.
“Only 40 days until summer! Let’s finish strong!”

Make Time Feel More Concrete – Helps students grasp how long they have to prepare.
“Your math test is 5 days away—let’s map out a study plan.”

🚀 Encourage Task Initiation – Supports students in starting early.
“Your AP exam is in 12 days. Let’s begin building your study guide today.”

🎯 Improve Prioritization – Some apps allow students to rank tasks based on deadlines.

Apps to Explore
✔️ Countdown – Lets students track multiple deadlines, assign colors & symbols, share with others, and set reminders.
✔️ Pretty Progress – Offers a visual progress tracker for added motivation and to help students see how far they’ve come..

💡 Important note: While countdowns can be motivating for some, they may cause stress for students with anxiety. If your child finds countdowns overwhelming, consider alternative planning strategies. For more on anxiety and executive function, please link here