10 Ways to Keep Your Child Organized

1. Use Checklists-  Help your child get into the habit of keeping a "To Do" list.  Use checklists to post assignments, household chores, and reminders about what materials to bring to class. 

2. Organize Homework Assignments-  Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number assignments in the order of which they should be done.  Your child should start with an assignment that is not too long or difficult, but avoid saving the hardest or longest assignments for last.

3. Designate a Study Space- Your child should study in the same place every night.  This doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions.  All school supplies and materials should be nearby.  If your child wants to study with you nearby too, you will be better able to monitor their progress and encourage good study habits.

4. Set a Designated Study Time- Your child should know that a certain time everyday is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best time is not usually right after school.  Most children benefit from having some time to unwind first.  Include your child in making this decision.  Even if he/she doesn't have assigned homework, the time should be spent reviewing, practicing math facts, or reading.

5. Keep an Organized Binder and Folder-  Help your child keep track of papers that are sent home by organizing them into a labeled binder or folder.  This will allow your child to review the material and prepare for tests and quizzes. 

6.  Conduct a Weekly Clean-Up- Encourage your child to sort through his/her backpack and notebooks on a weekly basis.  Old worksheets and papers should be organized in a separate file at home. 

7. Check Your Child's Binders and Folders- Although not on purpose, children sometimes forget what is in their Take Home Folders.  Please try to go through their backpacks and check to make sure that they are writing down and completing all assignments.  Check their assignments for accuracy.  Checking up on your child keeps them in check, so that they will be mindful that this is is something that you want them to do, and will be checking for at home, as well as my checking at school. 

8. Keep a Master Calendar- Keep a large wall-sized calendar at the house that lists the family's commitments, schedules for extracurricular activities, days off from school, and major events at home and school. 

9. Prepare for the Day Ahead- Before your child goes to bed, he/she should pack schoolwork and books in a backpack.  This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare for the day ahead.

10. Provide Needed Support While Your Child is Learning to Become More Organized- Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying schedules and checklists and taping them to the fridge.  Gently remind him/her to fill in calendar dates and keep papers organized.  Most important, set a good example.