Reduce the Load on Working Memory: Checklists

Checklists can be used for so many things, from daily routines to math problems, to writing.  Checklists are helpful because they can take the load off of our working memory, which does have a limited capacity.

The more you use a specific checklist, the more likely you will be to develop an efficient routine and thus not need to utilize your working memory to accomplish a task- the process will feel automatic.

Checklists can help us to stay organized and to be more efficient because they remind us to do everything we need to do the first time, and we don't need to return for missed items or do something all over again because we didn't fully complete it.

Here are some examples of when you could use a checklist, and what it might include:

Writing
Brainstorm
Outline
Draft
Revise
Edit

Within each of those steps in the writing process, you could develop a checklist to follow too. For example, an editing checklist could include the following:
Each sentence ends with a punctuation mark.
Each sentence begins with a capital letter.
I have read each paragraph out loud, or had it read out loud to me, so I can hear if it makes sense and if I have any extra or missing words.
Every proper noun is capitalized.
Each new paragraph is indented.
I have checked the spelling and for proper use of homophones (e.g. their/they're/there; bear/bare; break/brake).
I have asked for another person to proofread my work, as a "second set of eyes."

Math
CNA routine:
Correct last night's homework
look at the Notes we took in class today
Work on tonight's new Assignment

*This is a great routine for other subjects too- not just math!

Simplifying equations:
Distribute if necessary.
Take care of operations with exponents.
Rearrange terms so like terms are next to one another.
Combine like terms by adding coefficients.
Combine the constants.
Check your answer if possible!

Spanish
Basic writing:
Check for subject/ verb agreement.
Check to make sure verbs are conjugated in the correct tense.
Check for agreement between adjectives and what each is describing male/ female singular/ plural

Checklists are also helpful for non-academic tasks, like packing your backpack or completing your homework. 

Below is an example of a checklist you could hang in your locker or where you do your homework, to reference when re-packing your backpack. (Perhaps you won't need all of these each day; maybe you circle the ones you will need as you go through the day, then check off each of those as you pack them.) 
Laptop Charger    
Math binder
Math notebook
History textbook
History binder
English novel
English binder
free reading book
Foreign language binder
Foreign language textbook
Science book  
Science folder
Science notebook
Other:_______________________________ Other:_______________________________

As you probably know, you can make checklists on your phone and computer too (with the Reminders app on a Mac, or by downloading another great, efficient app). There are lots of options for how and when you can use checklists, and I encourage you to try it out by thinking of a task you have trouble completing (or completing thoroughly); then, think about the steps you would need to take in order to complete the task thoroughly. Make that list, turn it into a "checklist," and use it for a few weeks to see how it goes! 

​Please comment below about how and when you use a checklist, or to share any questions or ideas you have!