Developing good organizational skills is a
key ingredient for success in school and in life. Although some people by
nature are more organized than others, anyone can put routines and systems
into place to help a child "get it together." Here is a list of strategies
that you can use to help your child get - and keep - his/her life under
control.
1. Use Checklists
Help your child get into the habit of
keeping a "to-do" list. Use checklists to post assignments, household chores,
and reminders about what materials to bring to class. Crossing completed items
off the list will give him a sense of accomplishment (just like it does for us!
:) )
2. Organize homework assignments
Before beginning assignments, encourage
your child to designate in what order to complete them. He should start with
one that's not too long or difficult, but avoid savig the longest or hardest
assignments for last.
3. Designate a Study Space
Your child should study in the same place
every night. It should be a quiet place with few distractions.
All school supplies and materials
should be readily nearby.
4. Set a Designated Study Time
Your child should know that a certain time
every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. Even if your child
doesn't have homework, the reserved time should be used for reading or working
on a long term project.
5. Teach your child how to schedule long
term items on a calendar.
For example, if a book report is due in 30
days, then discuss and mark on a calendar when they need to have finished
reading the book, when they should begin the project, when they should finish
the project, etc. This is an invaluable lesson that will help them when
they have more than one long term project going at once, and it will prevent
last minute late nights!
6. Prepare for the day ahead.
Before your child goes to bed, he should
pack schoolwork and books and it should be in a convenient place - the same
place every day. This will cut down on morning confusion and help prevent
leaving needed work sitting out somewhere.