Organizing school supplies and assignments can help your child stay focused on school---instead of on hunting down misplaced items. Not only can it help reduce stress and panic, it also teaches your child skills that she will carry on throughout her entire life. Fortunately, there are many ways you can teach your child how to get organized---at both school and home.
Step 1
Designate a file cabinet or drawer for your child's school work and supplies. The "Good Housekeeping" magazine website suggests using tabs and slots to separate supplies, subjects or classes. Have your child file finished assignments or reports to use as reference materials later on.
Step 2
Tell your child to number assignments and projects in the order that they need to be done. The Family Education website recommends starting with easy assignments first---but to avoid stress, be sure not to leave the difficult ones for last.
Step 3
Give your child a weekly planner to keep track of his projects or upcoming tests, suggests KidsHealth from Nemours. Have him consult the planner each night before beginning homework to make sure nothing is forgotten.
Step 4
Use dividers to separate your child's school notebooks or binders, says Family Education. Make categories for homework, completed work, notes and notices. This can make it easier for your child to study and see what assignments are due.
Step 5
Create a cabinet or drawer full of school supplies, such as index cards, poster board, pens and markers. The "Good Housekeeping" website explains that this can help prevent panic if your child runs out of supplies during a late night project.
Tips and Warnings
- Family Education recommends having your child sort through her backpack and binder at least once a week. Have her organize and file old homework assignments or tests in their designated places.
- KidsHealth from Nemours warns that it can be easy to take over organization instead of teaching your child how to do it. Unfortunately, this is not good for your child and only teaches him that he cannot do things on his own. Never research or do assignments for your child, organize his backpack or homework, clean his room or give him answers to homework. Teaching your child organization skills can help him accomplish all of these things and more when he enters college---or life after school.
Things You'll Need
- Cabinet or drawer
- Weekly planner
- Dividers
- Extra school supplies
