Punctuality In School
vs. tardiness
Showing respect for others by doing the right thing at the right time
To practice Punctuality, I will: 
- think of the impact my tardiness has on others
- prepare for unexpected delays
- do my work ahead of time
- plan a daily schedule and stick to it
- not fall into the trap of “just one more”
The Importance of Deadlines
When teaching at the college level, I didn’t accept late work, and makeup tests were more challenging. I wanted them to start thinking like the business world. Late assignments could mean losing a sale, failing to get something licensed, or incurring a fine from a regulatory agency. I emphasized that those behaviors do not magically appear with a cap and gown; they needed to build those habits now. I thought it only fair that if they had a deadline, I needed to respect them enough to have a corresponding deadline. I made a point of returning tests or papers at the next class meeting. I talked about this on the first day of class, so students were expecting this and would hold me accountable if I failed. This required looking ahead and blocking my schedule for grading after assignments were due so I could honor this pledge. It sometimes led to very late nights grading if it conflicted with an event that couldn’t be skipped. I also tried to coach students on the right timing of Punctuality by examining my syllabus against holidays and school events. If an assignment was due on a day that may have a conflict, I listed alternate due dates – earlier, of course. I also suggested they compare these dates to their personal calendars and make their own due date adjustments if needed. I also gave advice on the first day about what grade they were aiming for and to aim higher to account for bad things happening. If they only needed a B, and that’s all the effort they gave, then unexpected circumstances could turn that B into a C. Had they worked for an A and something happened, their B would still be safe. It all boils down to looking far enough ahead and planning.
What does the Right Timing of Punctuality tell you how to prepare?
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in the classroom or in homeschool
to teach the Character Quality of Punctuality.
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in an educational setting or for education professionals.
Visit Punctuality in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Punctuality in the Community>>
Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)
Visit Punctuality in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources