Study Hall: Pomodoro-Style! - Time Management and Group Study

*Learners outside age range are welcome*

Does your child struggle to stay focused while doing their work? Do they sometimes not know where to begin? Maybe they need a study buddy to keep them accountable. This class is for them!

The Pomodoro Method (or Pomodoro Technique) is a method of time management developed by Francesco Cirillo over 30 years ago. "Pomodoro" comes from the Italian word for tomato, as Cirillo initially used a tomato timer when devising this technique. Essentially, you decide on a task (or tasks) to complete, set a timer, and then work for 25 minutes. Take a 5 minute break and repeat. This continues for a total of four "Pomodoros" before taking a longer 15-30 minute break. Since discovering and utilizing this method to complete my Master's thesis, I've been telling everybody about it!

Now that I've told you about the Pomodoro method, why should you take the class? Well, your learner will also gain socialization, a study buddy in the other learners, and someone to help them sort through their to-do list and decide on a task. We'll have check-ins during each break to see how everyone is doing. Rather than four Pomodoros, this class will only have two Pomodoros due to the age of the learners. The class will end with a break where we will check in and decide on next tasks. Learners can then choose for themselves whether they'd like to take a longer break or continue into another Pomodoro.

A typical class will look like this:
0-15: Introductions, explanation of Pomodoro method, decide on tasks to complete.
15-40: First Pomodoro
40-45: Break/Check in
45-70: Second Pomodoro
70-75: Check in, decide on next tasks, dismissal

Learners should come to class with a task or a few tasks to be completed. This could be math homework, reading which needs to be completed, a chore to be done, etc.