Ten Ways to Help Get Your Child Organized

Developing good organizational skills is a key ingredient for success in school and in life. I stress organization because I believe that third grade is the perfect time to begin learning this lifelong skill. 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 or her life under control.

1. Use Checklists

Help your child get into the habit of keeping a "to-do" list. I post assignments on the board each day.  After your child has copied the assignments, I check his or her agenda to see that it has been copied correctly.  The weekly spelling list, vocabulary words, and any other nightly homework is placed into the vinyl homework folder that is kept in the binder.  Your child should keep the homework in the homework folder. Checking off or crossing off completed items off the agenda each night will give him or her a sense of accomplishment and will keep your student on-track with all assignments.

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. If you usually help your child with homework, or check it after it’s finished, allow him or her to complete the assignment independently first and then sit down to review or reteach a skill. That way, you know the difference between what your child needs help with, and what he or she can do, but was counting on you to just make easier!

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 child wants to get up and down many times, set a timer and require him or her to do homework for the full 20 minutes before a snack or bathroom break. Be sure that you are nearby to monitor and keep your child on the right track, but you don’t need to sit with him or her throughout each assignment – this will only encourage dependence on you.

4. Set a study/homework 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. Children will often finish homework more quickly and easily if the homework time has an attractive endpoint, such as dinner or soccer practice. Be careful when setting homework time right before bedtime – this often causes late nights, or arguments.

5. Keep organized notebooks

Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in the homework folder. Separate "to do" and "done" sides of the folder to help organize worksheets, notices, and items to be signed by parents, as well as provide a central place to store completed assignments. Many things are sent home for a signature. Please set up a routine for your child to follow if you are not home in the evenings to sign papers. Have your child leave these items on the table or in plain view for you and make sure you get them back in the folder!

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 or thrown away. MANY assignments and notes get misplaced because the book bag or homework folder becomes a trash can.

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. Children love routine and feel safe and comfortable when they know there is a system in place for them.

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 due dates for projects, or special events. This will help family members keep track of each other's activities and avoid scheduling conflicts. Help your child be prepared for any schedule changes, especially when it involves transportation changes from school.

9. Prepare for the day ahead

Before your child goes to bed, he or she 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. It also helps to de-stress the morning and keep everyone on schedule and relaxed in the morning hours that can turn hectic quickly!

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 him or her about filling in calendar dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most important, set a good example and be supportive. Everyone ‘forgets’ sometimes, but when forgetfulness is chronic, that indicates an organizational problem that can easily be fixed with these few steps!

*Adapted by Amanda McGhee from "Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Children" by the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities (CCLD).