Eight Great “Get Organized” Tips

If your family’s morning feels more like an obstacle course relay race than a leisurely jaunt to school, put some calm in your crazy by teaching your kids the power of organization. It doesn’t take a psychological study to know that being organized can significantly reduce stress, which invariably means better concentration, higher grades and improved communication with teachers and fellow students. Fight the frenzy with these 10 great “get organized” tips from BigIQKids.com:

A little organization of school work, schedules and before-school routines can help make your child's school day and home life stress-free.

1. Behold the power of the checklist! A little positive reinforcement (a hug, a smile or a simple “great job!”) each time he crosses a homework assignment or household chore off a well-prepared checklist will help him associate completing tasks with a feeling of accomplishment.
2. Prioritize homework assignments. Start with one that’s not too difficult or too time consuming to help get your child on a roll. Then, strike while the iron’s hot and have him tackle a bigger assignment. Save another of the smaller assignments for last to help avoid that restless distraction that can happen just before the home stretch.




3. Designate a quiet study space with few distractions (no TV!) and keep it stocked with school supplies and materials.




4. Designate a homework/study time at the same time each day. Allow your child a few minutes to unwind after school and then get busy. What – no homework today? Then have your child study for an upcoming test, get started on an ongoing project or read for pleasure.




5. Purge! Encourage your child to conduct a weekly cleanup of his backpack and notebooks. You may want to keep old tests and assignments in a separate file at home to help track your child’s progress. But those paper airplanes and the sweet note to the cute new girl three rows over? Toss ‘em. (Okay, maybe tuck that sweet note away in a photo album – but the rest goes.) If a teacher requires a notebook check, make sure your child has all needed assignments in the proper order in the proper notebooks.




6. Create and stick to a regular after-school schedule that includes a quick wind-down break, homework/study time, chores, dinnertime, bath time and bed time. Don’t forget to schedule a little leisure time – it’s important too!




7. Keep a master calendar that allows for quick viewing of all family commitments, holidays, extracurricular and sports calendars, tests and big school projects to avoid scheduling conflicts. Keep any related checklists, such as a checklist outlining materials, steps and deadlines for school projects nearby.




8. Send him to bed with a clear head. Designate an area in your child’s bedroom where he lays out his clothes and shoes (including undies, socks and jacket) for the next day, as well as his backpack and any extras needed for school.

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