HELPING YOUR CHILD DEVELOP ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
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 in place to help a child "get it
together." Here's a list of strategies that you can use to help your child
get -- and keep -- his 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. Your child should keep a small pad or notebook (THE PLANNER)
dedicated to listing homework assignments. Crossing completed items off the
list will give him a sense of accomplishment.
2. Organize homework assignments.
Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number
assignments in the order in which they should be done. Start with one that's
not too long or difficult, but avoid saving the longest or hardest
assignments for last.
3. Designate a study space.
Your child should study in the same place every night. This doesn't have to
be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. All
school supplies and materials should be nearby. If your young child wants to
study with you nearby, too, you'll be better able to monitor his progress
and encourage good study habits.
4. Set a designated study time.
Your child should know that a certain time every day is reserved for
studying and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after
school -- most children benefit from time to unwind first. Include your
child in making this decision. Even if she doesn't have homework, the
reserved time should be used to review the day's lessons, read for pleasure,
or work on an upcoming project.
5. Keep organized notebooks.
Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in a binder or
notebook. This will help him review the material for each day's classes and
to organize the material later to prepare for tests and quizzes. Use
dividers to separate class notes, or color-code notebooks. Separate "to do"
and "done" folders help organize worksheets, notices, and items to be signed
by parents, as well as provide a central place to store completed
assignments.
6. Conduct a weekly clean-up.
Encourage your child to sort through book bags and notebooks on a weekly
basis. Old tests and papers should be organized and kept in a separate file
at home.
7. Create a household schedule.
Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and a regular bedtime.
This will help your child fall into a pattern at home. Children with a
regular bedtime go to school well-rested. Try to limit television-watching
and computer play to specific periods of time during the day.
8. Keep a master calendar.
Keep a large, wall-sized calendar for the household that lists the family's
commitments, schedules for extracurricular activities, days off from school,
and major events at home and at school. Note dates when your child has big
exams or due dates for projects. This will help family members keep track of
each other's activities and avoid scheduling conflicts.
9. Prepare for the day ahead.
Before your child goes to bed, he should pack schoolwork and books in a book
bag. The next day's clothes should be laid out with shoes, socks, and
accessories. This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to
prepare quickly for the day ahead.
10. Provide needed support while your child is learning to become more
organized.
Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and
schedules and taping them to the refrigerator. Gently remind her about
filling in calendar dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most
important, set a good example.
