Organization: Back to School

Articles

Aug 1

A little planning can go a long way to get organized for going back to school. Although it can feel daunting, some low-cost or free solutions can help everything feel like it is organized and on track. Every family is unique and can find the tools that work best for their individual circumstance. Use these tips to help keep things organized and get your kids involved in developing and strengthening their own organizational skills. Learning these all-important practices can help them be more successful as they progress through school and even after they are an adult.

Use a Calendar

It can help to have a visual representation of days, weeks, and months to plan ahead. Having everyone in the family involved helps kids understand their part of the whole family unit. There are many methods you can use to get started. If your family is more tech-oriented, a family calendar app could be a great tool. For a custom solution, use a whiteboard or dry erase mat for your calendar which can be reused each month. Or you can find a simple wall calendar that you like to pencil in everyone’s schedules. Kids can get involved by adding their own schedule. Use different colors to designate each family member’s events.

To-Do File

Busy schedules often involve paperwork, homework, and lots of other to-do lists. Having a designated place to keep these important things can help everyone keep on track. When kids bring home permission slips or notices from school, they will know where it should go. When they have their own system for tackling homework and necessary tasks, they are less likely to forget something.

Task Caddy

Those of us who have experienced working from home know that keeping work separate from home-life is very important. For kids, it could be difficult to sit down and complete homework near the television, video games, or toys. A great way to stay focused is to put together a task caddy. A craft caddy might have scissors, glue, crayons, a ruler, and markers. A homework caddy might have pencils, a calculator, notebook paper, and folders. When it is time to do homework, take the caddy to an area free of distraction until the tasks are completed.

Keep Backpacks Clean

It is easy to toss papers, trash, and different items into a backpack and forget about them. Junk can accumulate over time or important things can be missed. Create a routine of emptying out backpacks at the end of each week to stay organized. Starting each week with a fresh, clean backpack can help kids feel better equipped to tackle things with confidence.

File Folders

As kids receive graded homework and assignments, they will likely put it in their school binder, desk, or let it stack up somewhere. Ensuring they have a designated place to keep things like graded homework will help them feel organized and know where things are. Use file folders or file boxes for each subject or class. Colors can also be a great way to designate something that needs to be done or has already been completed. Keeping a home filing system also helps kids from weighing down their backpack with stacks of paper they won’t need to have on hand at school.

Time Management

In the area where your kids study and complete homework, ensure they are able to visually track their time with a clock. An analog clock can be a great way for kids to see the span of time they have complete an assignment as well as see how much time has passed. Breaking up a clock into four sections can be a great way for kids to see time broken down in a way that they can monitor easily.

Personal Planners

There are so many colorful planners for kids which can make planning and organizing fun. They can learn how to start using habit trackers, journaling, and planning the future. They can use it at school, to make plans with friends, or to track big assignments.

Benefits of Using Organizational Tools

Kids gain so much from learning how to use organizational tools at an early age. Better organization provides relief from mental stress. It can help kids feel that they can manage the things they are asked to do and feel more confident. Routine is an important element of all of our lives. When kids learn to develop their own routine at an early age, it will provide a great benefit throughout their life. Children are more likely to keep up with school assignments and feel proud of their achievements. The structure that organization provides can help build their confidence in their ability to succeed.

What are your family’s favorite ways to stay organized? Do you enjoy combining your schedules and supporting each other’s goals? With so many options and easy ways to customize your own organization plan, the possibilities are endless. For those who love to D.I.Y., you can find innumerable project ideas online to create organizational bliss in your home and for your whole family. When kids begin to show that they are struggle to keep up with school assignments or are forgetful of obligations, it is a sign that they may need to develop their organizational skills further.

Looking for more ways to get kids on track for the school year? Browse our free resources, articles, and activities to find new tools you can use with your family.