Follow5 Tips to Keep your Kids Organized for School
Organization is an important factor of success. Most children need to learn how to be organized for school, and it’s up to their parents to teach them. Don’t fret if you aren’t the most prepared or structured person on the planet – it’s not difficult to get your kids more organized. They just need a little guidance and they will be able to keep things in order as they age.
Below are five tips you can use to help keep your kids organized for school!
1. Check their backpacks nightly.
This should only be done by you until your child is old enough to accept the responsibility. Even if you are doing the checking, she should be actively helping you keep her bag organized. Have her go through her folders and notebooks.
Toss out any unneeded papers or broken pencils or crayons. Instruct your child to keep books and paper in the larger pocket, while putting pencils, pens, and smaller items into the backpack’s smaller pockets.
2. Encourage the use of a planner.
If your child has all of her upcoming projects, essays, and homework assignments written down in a day planner, she will be much more organized. This will prevent missing due dates and the time wasting while they try to figure out what they should be working on each night after school.
School holidays, extracurricular activities, and other important tasks should also be added to the planner so your child knows when to complete things ahead of time and not be rushing to get things done at the last minute.
3. Have a folder for important documents.
Ideally, this folder will be located close to the front door. If it’s one of the first things your kid sees upon entering the home after school, she is more likely to utilize it. This folder should be used for any teacher’s notes, report cards, permission forms – basically anything that parents need to read or sign before the following day.
Parents: be sure you keep an eye on this folder too! Set a good example by checking it daily.
4. Create a homework station.
A special spot dedicated to your child’s homework is vital if you want them to stay organized for school. This area should have everything they need to get an assignment done – plenty of pencils, paper, scissors, glue, and a calculator. Having a designated spot keeps their book bag from being unloaded all over the house, which could cause lost items and papers.
5. Reward good organizational behavior.
To reinforce your child’s growing organizational skills, reward her with verbal praise. She will likely continue to stay organized if she knows you appreciate her efforts. If you are feeling extra generous, take her shopping for new school supplies or other treat, just to acknowledge her work.
How do you keep your kids organized for school?
