Experts say that an organized study space is most effective for learning. Being organized at the beginning of the year can help ease the transition from enjoying the lazy days of summer to hitting the books hard! Read some of our best suggestions for getting organized.
Are you ready to jump into the new school year yet?
A Study Haven
Create a study area in your home, like your child's bedroom or even a cubby in your finished basement or playroom. Provide a desk, chair and lamp in the area (comfort and good lighting is important). Organize the area with colored folders, labels, file holders, pens, pencils and even baskets or bins that can be used as drawers for study storage. Your child will look forward to using his or her very own workspace.
Extra, Extra!
"Who has soccer practice today?" "Does Angela have ballet this week?" "When is parent-teacher night?" Do these questions sound familiar? Bulletin boards and dry erase boards are key to keeping schedules straight. Write the family's schedule one month at a time, so there are no surprises. And don't forget to include family time! Try scheduling at least one hour a week for the whole family to get together and get organized. Whether it's tidying up rooms in the house or plotting next month's family agenda, if it's on the dry erase board, it gets done!
Check Supplies
School supplies are important for the first day of school. Help your child prepare his or her new backpack with the right supplies. You might have some materials left from last school year, so be sure to check your inventory. As long as you have the necessary supplies, you can set up your child's bag days or even weeks in advance. Why wait until the last minute?
Out With the Old, In With the New
Setting aside time to pack and unpack seasonal clothes is smart! A few days before starting school, encourage your child to help you reorganize his or her closet. Pack summer clothes away and take out autumn attire. This will give you a chance to see which articles of clothing no longer fit and which are worn and tattered. Take a few days to go back-to-school shopping for those last minute fall fashions.
Practice Makes Perfect
One of the most difficult aspects of going back to school is getting into a new routine. Reintroduce and practice your school routine about a week before school begins. Send your child to bed the same time you would on a school night, and wake him or her up early in the morning. Schedule your child's meals and snacks at the same time they would eat them if they were in school. Prepare, and it'll be easier to adjust to a changing schedule.
Timing Is Everything
Take advantage of the night before a school day to tie up any loose ends. For example, help your child choose an outfit for school and make lunch. Mornings are hectic for many families, and if ironing and packing lunches are already done, an extra few minutes of sleeping might be in order.
Make It Spotless
A child's tidy bedroom is a stress reliever-for you and your child! Many experts say that lack of organization causes stress and anxiety. Help your child help you get organized. Hang hooks in his or her bedroom for placing backpacks, coats, hats and more before studying. Decorate a toy chest together and place your child's games and toys inside. Hang a shoe rack and a cloth mesh laundry basket on the closet door-make it easy for your child to place things where they belong!
Here's a fun organization activity to help you get started!
Back to School Bus Pencil Caddy
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