Procrastinate:(verb) To put off doing something until later.
As in: Even though my homework was due this morning, I procrastinated and did not start it until 9:00 last night.
The noun form of this word? Procrastination.
Procrastination is a BIT of a problem for many middle school students (and some teachers!). There are many ways that people can procrastinate: by watching just ONE MORE show on television, by suddenly becoming VERY hungry and needing to eat something right now, by telling yourself that you will spend just 10 more minutes on the internet (which will usually turn into 45-60 more minutes!), etc...
Here is a visual example of the many, many ways that people can procrastinate:
|The Procrastination Flow Chart!|
Does this look familiar to any of you? If it does, then good for you for being aware and honest enough to admit it!
So, why am I showing this to you and talking about procrastination? What does this have to do with our Unit of Inquiry? Well, I am glad that you asked that question!
I just want you to be aware of the meaning and idea of procrastination, so that you will be able to recognize it when (or should I say "if"?) you do it. This unit will require you to do a lot of work, activities and learning on your own, so if you are someone who like to procrastinate, then you may need to sit down with yourself (or with me, if you like) and try to come up with ways that you will be able to meet your deadlines.
Oh, and do that soon- don't procrastinate!