How to Become More Organized for School

Getting a good education directly relates to a student's success and happiness later in life, so it makes sense to provide the best learning environment possible. Good organizational skills will make learning easier and reduce anxiety. By following a few parent-tested techniques, you, too, can help your child maximize his educational opportunities.

Things You'll Need

• File folders
• Extra notebooks paper and supplies
• Designated study space
• Clock or watch with alarm
• Calendar
• Daily planner

Instructions

1. Organize schoolwork by subject. Use file folders to store assignments and homework. Instruct your student to put completed work on one side and assignments on the other. In addition, place the most recent assignments closest to the front for easy viewing. Check your child's folders every evening to make sure they are accurate.

2. Store extra notebooks and supplies to replace used or lost ones quickly. When your child is completing a homework assignment and his pen runs out of ink, a new one will be waiting in the supply drawer.

3. Provide a private study. This can be in his bedroom, a family room or kitchen as long as it is quiet and has minimal traffic. A comfortable desk, table or writing surface is imperative (make sure he has room to spread out his study materials). Resist using the floor as a study area.

4. Encourage time awareness. Place a clock within easy view of his study area and give him a watch to wear. Use an alarm to signify the beginning of study time, bedtime, time to wake up in the morning and any other important schedules.

5. Use a large calendar--hung in a prominent spot in the kitchen or family area--to organize important school-related deadlines. Use short terms to signify events, such as "Science Project Due" or "Play Rehearsal, 7 p.m." and make a note of all the important dates so you and your child can view them easily.

6. Teach your child to keep a daily planner to record homework assignments and tasks. Check his planner every day after school to ensure that she is recording the necessary information.

7. Visit with your child's teacher to determine areas that warrant further organization.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage your child to be organized by example. When you create an organized home, you show your child how important it is to be orderly and prepared.