How to organize kids for new school year
BY AMY MORRIS
It's back-to-school time, and that means back to morning chaos, homework disorganization and massive amounts of paper exchanged between school and home. For today's kids, it's not just back to "school." Kids are more active than ever, running from school to play dates to endless activities.
It's normal for kids to generate chaos and disorganization, but being organized is a skill that is developed over time with guidance and practice.
Here's how to help them get the new year off to clean start:
Organize the Backpack
A backpack is your child's personal assistant. Teach him how to keep it neatly organized by only filling it with necessary school day items and keeping out unnecessary loose papers, non-school items and liquids.
Declutter the Desk
The desk is NOT to be the catch-all dumping ground. Teach children to keep the desk surface clear so
that there is ample space to do homework. Don't let papers stack up. Sort regularly and store.
Writing instruments, if just a few, plus scissor and ruler can be placed in a simple cup or desk
caddy to sit on the desk or in an "in-drawer" organizer.
Store extras, sorted and placed in labeled storage bags, in a plastic bin with a lid. If space allows, place in separate labeled plastic containers. Store the extra items in a nearby closet, armoire or bookshelf. If they
are stored in open view, choose a decorative container.
Make Lists
Teach kids to make a "homework" list. Help them prioritize items by what will take the most to least
amount of time to complete. This will provide them with a greater sense of accomplishment because as
they complete items and their lists become smaller, they will feel more productive. Kids will take
ownership of their tasks, shape their own time, and gain greater independence.
Tame the Paper Pile
Teach your kids to sort and file school papers in an organized manner. Place papers to be saved in
identifying folders so they can be easily located. Depending on the number of papers you are saving,
label a single folder with the academic year, for example "7th Grade," or label multiple folders with
the academic year and subject. The folders can be put into a plastic file storage container.
Other options for storage include over-the-desk shelves, filing cabinets and archive/banker's boxes.
Keeping papers organized will be crucial to kids at exam time - especially if midterm and end-of-year
final exams are cumulative.
Protect Mementos
From report cards to photos to doodles, store the sentimental stuff in plastic storage pockets,
plastic storage boxes or cardboard photo boxes. They can be placed in a bottom desk drawer, stacked
in the closet or on a bookshelf.
Remember, organization is an awesome opportunity for kids to gain self-confidence and independence.
Amy Morris, a single Boca Raton mom of two active teenagers, is the founder of GotFamilyGetOrganized.com, an online tool for organizing all the details of your family's life, and author of Got Kids? Get Organized! Read more about Amy on our Meet the Parentspage and read her blog on her website.
