Here we are again, back to school! Summer went unusually fast for me this year, how about you? By now most schools have started classes here in Utah and I thought it would be a perfect time to give some tips for the pounds of paper and homework that is coming our way. I hear it all the time from Mom’s, there utter frustration with the amount of paper that comes home from school! Here we are in our digital society and yet we fight with paper everyday when our kids empty their backpacks. Organization is a crucial part of educational success. Here are some surefire ways for a successful school year;
Drop Zone
Create a space if possible where the items “drop” for backpacks, books, jackets, shoes, etc. Establishing a “home” for the items for school makes them easy to locate as you sprint out the door to the car or bus. The drop zone should ideally have multiple shelves and containers, labeled with each family member’s name in their specific spot which can literally stop things piling up in the wrong places. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, labeling can be your best friend. So LABEL EVERYTHING. Make sure also that all items that are going back out the door the next morning, be back in there “homes” the night before. And when everything is labeled, it's a very simple task to do.
Create a space if possible where the items “drop” for backpacks, books, jackets, shoes, etc. Establishing a “home” for the items for school makes them easy to locate as you sprint out the door to the car or bus. The drop zone should ideally have multiple shelves and containers, labeled with each family member’s name in their specific spot which can literally stop things piling up in the wrong places. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, labeling can be your best friend. So LABEL EVERYTHING. Make sure also that all items that are going back out the door the next morning, be back in there “homes” the night before. And when everything is labeled, it's a very simple task to do.
Designate a Homework Spot
As much as we all wish it weren’t so because of the mess and clutter, the kitchen or dining room table tend to be the places chosen for our kids to do homework. This can work well if you establish a “drop zone” (see above) near the table. That way when the kids come home from school they have a place to put their homework, papers to be signed, etc.
Family Papers Command Center
Find an easy to access location for a family papers command center. A desktop file is a great way to do this. Make a hanging file folder for every person in you home, that way you are “containing “the paper clutter and they have their own designated space. It also may be helpful depending on your child’s school schedule to create a Homework “to-do” and Homework “completed” hanging file folder. This is especially helpful for children who struggle with ADD / ADHD (more helpful tips for those with ADD / ADHD and school work later). The command center becomes the “home” for each person’s loose papers, and the additional files add a home for those other papers with actions required. Set aside a time each day (that’s right, I said daily) to file the daily papers, I guarantee you will never lose another important paper again!
Designate a “Homework” Time every weeknight
Whether you require your child to complete their homework after school, lessons, sports or dinner, designating a set time everyday when homework is to be completed enhances your child’s chances in succeeding. It may not be the same “time” every night due to scheduling, but every week night should have a designated time in which homework is completed.
Keep School Supplies well stocked in the Homework Spot.
I keep a small container in my kitchen (because our office is downstairs) of staples, tape, white-out, papers, pens, pencils, glues, etc. in a small box so if we are in need of one of these items while doing homework, we don’t have to go far to find it. This makes the supplies very assessable to the kids. Ideally you want them all in ONE place, if possible. Because my house has 4 levels, this is not possible for me. So we keep the bulk of the office/school supplies in our basement office By having supplies where homework is worked on, you know what school supplies you have. I take inventory of all my office supplies when I make a list for my big shopping trip to the grocery store. This could be an ideal time for you to do it too.
I keep a small container in my kitchen (because our office is downstairs) of staples, tape, white-out, papers, pens, pencils, glues, etc. in a small box so if we are in need of one of these items while doing homework, we don’t have to go far to find it. This makes the supplies very assessable to the kids. Ideally you want them all in ONE place, if possible. Because my house has 4 levels, this is not possible for me. So we keep the bulk of the office/school supplies in our basement office By having supplies where homework is worked on, you know what school supplies you have. I take inventory of all my office supplies when I make a list for my big shopping trip to the grocery store. This could be an ideal time for you to do it too.
Weekly Family Caucus
Sunday night is “the night” at the Isom household that we hold a family caucus. It is simply a time set aside weekly when your family comes together to share their schedules and activities for upcoming week. Designating a specific night and time increases your chances of success with doing this weekly. We have a large calendar on the refrigerator door so everyone has access to it and are able to see everything easily. Go over each family member’s commitments for the week. I even have my son decide what days he wants to eat school lunch and what days he wants home lunch so I can prepare things the night before and it is not as much of a rush in the morning to get things done. By doing this you are teaching your children vital organization and communication skills they will use their entire lives. And it helps bring the family together and every person feel like their life and scheduled activates are important.
Sunday night is “the night” at the Isom household that we hold a family caucus. It is simply a time set aside weekly when your family comes together to share their schedules and activities for upcoming week. Designating a specific night and time increases your chances of success with doing this weekly. We have a large calendar on the refrigerator door so everyone has access to it and are able to see everything easily. Go over each family member’s commitments for the week. I even have my son decide what days he wants to eat school lunch and what days he wants home lunch so I can prepare things the night before and it is not as much of a rush in the morning to get things done. By doing this you are teaching your children vital organization and communication skills they will use their entire lives. And it helps bring the family together and every person feel like their life and scheduled activates are important.
Still Frazzled? Give me call and I’d be more than happy to assist your family with calendars, paper organization, etc so your family will have a successful school year.
