Back-to-School Success
Summer days are winding down and that means the school year is right around the corner! Get your family’s school year into the groove with these helpful tips:
1. Designate a focused homework space with school supplies
Outfit the designated desk to be free of distractions and organize school supplies so that similar items are grouped together for easy maintenance. If there is not a designated desk for doing homework (for example kids are doing homework on the kitchen table), use a transportable caddy, bin, tray, or rolling cart where school-related supplies and materials can be brought out when needed, but stored away when not in use in the shared space.
2. Set up a filing system for incoming papers
Papers can really pile up during the school year! Prepare for it in advance by using a filing cabinet, file box or magazine boxes to categorize papers by subject and file incoming schoolwork and any needed references or study guides. Be sure to clear through it at the end of the semester or school year.
*BONUS TIP: Also set up a memory box for Sentimental papers that accumulate over the school year (we’re talking those special art projects, essays, awards, etc.)
3. Create a Command Center
A command center is visible and is a central reference place for displaying the school year’s schedule of exams, project deadlines, events, and activities, as well as reminders and to-do tasks. Having a bulletin/magnetic board and white board are helpful elements to a command center, too.
4. Designate a spot for the backpack
Use a wall hook or a basket where items “going out” for the next school day (like projects or sports equipment) can be prepped the night before for a smooth morning.
5. Start those Tidy Reset Habits
It’s a new year, so now’s the perfect time to start those tidy reset habits. Easy (and fast!) Tidy Reset Habits that will keep things organized when performed every day:
Filing incoming papers
Tidying the physical desk/area once done with homework
Emptying backpack and packing for the next day
Encourage your child to consider these reset tasks as part of their day and you’ll build their organizing skills for life!