Pomodoro isn’t just for pasta!

The Pomodoro Technique, named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Francesco Cirillo used to manage his academic work at university, is a strategy designed to help students get through school work more efficiently and effectively. 
  
Here’s how it works: 

1. Block time. Identify a length of time that feels realistic for your child to work in a focused burst. Cirillo found that 25 minutes worked best for him, but the beauty of the technique is that it’s personal to everyone. Start with shorter windows and build from there. 
2. Focused sprint. Choose one task and ask your child to give it their full attention for the allotted window of time. Remove distractions like cell phones!
3. Reward. After each burst, your child is rewarded with a short break to stretch, grab a snack, or play with the dog. Try and keep the cell phone at bay as breaking away from it can be really difficult for some. These short breaks act as an immediate reward and give your child’s brain a chance to recharge. 
4. Rinse and repeat! Repeat the process as many times as it takes to get the work done.

The Pomodoro Technique incorporates key executive function skill practice like planning, time management and task initiation. It also helps students manage procrastination, reduce anxiety, and boost motivation and confidence.