We teach our children so many things-from how to play games and ride a bike to family tradition and culture, and then of course, there are the things they learn in school. We’re not teaching them how to organize and manage themselves, which is a big mistake since effective organizing can lead to success in school and keep you from losing it when it comes to getting ready for and getting through the school year.
Missing assignments, losing supplies and forgotten homework are all results of poor organizing habits. Replace them with healthier habits and you set your child up for success in school and beyond. To do so, you’ve got to get things organized and instill good time and self management skills in your young person, set up space and systems for your child and yourself in your home, and give them the physical tools to support them. Here are a few tips on surviving the back to school madness.
Get the proper tools and supplies– Before the school year begins shop for school supplies. Make sure you know your child’s schedule and what they need before you shop. If your child is challenged with remembering which notebook is for which class, you could think about color coding the supplies. For example, you might want to choose a blue notebook, folders, etc. for one subject and green for another. This will make it easy for your child when it comes to grabbing the right materials for each class and it will help in getting assignments into the right folders, making them easier to locate. Additionally, there are a lot of cool supplies that make sense for getting school lockers organized. If there is a need, choose one that will serve your young person well.
Create a spot for homework and other papers to land-This could be a tray or stand with labeled folders inside for homework that needs to be done, homework and items for your review, completed assignments and other papers that come home. Tailor what you create to your child’s personality. Perhaps a tray for each category of papers would work better than a folder for each, or maybe an accordion file is the right choice. What you set up has to be something that will work for your child, so consider their personality and the fact that they are students.
Create the routine for the paper flow-Where does homework go when it comes through the door; after it’s completed and after it’s reviewed and ready to be turned in? When does it get completed; when does it get reviewed and when does it go into the backpack to be sure that it gets back to school? Incorporate this routine with the rules that you set up around studying and completing homework assignments and the time management system that you put in place and you’re good to go.
Designate a space for studying– Is there a designated space for studying and is it adequate? The space designated for studying should be comfortable, be equipped with the necessary supplies and be well lit. If something is missing, make the necessary adjustments and be sure to enforce the rules that you established.
I’ll continue with more survival tips in my next post.