How to Get Ready for School

When you have trouble getting up, organized and out the door on time each morning, develop a routine to accomplish everything and still have plenty of energy to take on the day. Get ready for school with these simple strategies and time-saving tips.

Instructions

1. Tackle as many tasks as you can at night. Finish your homework and get your parents to sign any papers, notes or tests before returning the items to your backpack. Pick out an outfit for the next day and place your backpack and shoes by the door. Set your alarm, building in an extra 15 minutes in case of accidents or emergencies.

2. Get plenty of sleep so you'll be able to wake up as soon as your alarm rings. Put tape over the "snooze" button so you're not tempted to use it. Take a shower (if you didn't the night before) or splash your face with cold water for an added burst of energy.

3. Help your mom make breakfast and save time by packing your lunch while you're in the kitchen. Try to incorporate the 4 food groups into both meals to give you enough energy to get through the day's classes and after school activities.

4. Make any necessary adjustments to your outfit to accommodate changes in the weather, then finish getting dressed and ready.

5. Read a book or watch television if you still have time before you have to leave for school. Playing video games, browsing on the Internet or emailing friends are less than ideal activities since they often take up more time than you expect.

Tips & Warnings

• If you consistently forget items you need to take to school or tasks you need to complete in the morning, make a simple checklist as a reminder until you've memorized the routine.