Organization: Advice for Parents
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.
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 dedicated to
listing homework assignments. Crossing completed items off the list will give
him a sense of accomplishment.
Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number assignments
in the order in which they should be done. She should start with one that's
not too long or difficult, but avoid saving the longest or hardest assignments
for last.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adapted from "Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Children" by the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities (CCLD). Call 1-888-478-6463 for important resources and information about learning disabilities.
