How do I instill good organizational habits in my child?

Good organizational skills lead to reduced anxiety and more success in school. Children who are poorly organized often struggle.

These are some common characteristics of unorganized students:

• Completes homework but can’t find it when it’s due.
• Packs backpacks with books, folders, wadded papers and a variety of items they don’t need at school.
• Puts papers from multiple subjects in varying stages of completion in one folder.
• Waits until the last minute to begin assignments.
• Frantically searches for homework, papers, backpacks, shoes, coats, etc., when it’s time to leave.
• Starts the same assignment repeatedly because they cannot find the work they’ve already done.

Parents of unorganized students can help by providing consistent guidance on how to be organized. Here are some examples:

• Homework area: Designate a space that includes essential homework items. Fill a desk drawer organizer with pencils, glue, scissors, paper clips and stapler. A desktop accordion file or file drawer labeled for each subject including extra paper eliminates the mass of loose papers.
• Backpack: Choose a backpack with lots of pockets and zippers. Organize folders and books by size. Purge paper frequently. Be sure only school related items are in the backpack. One folder with dividers is easier to manage than multiple folders.
• Desk or locker: Add accessories to make organizing easier. Be sure there are extras of essential items such as paper and pencils.

Unorganized students can’t maintain a system of organization by themselves in the beginning. Be patient and monitor their progress until they can manage alone.

Tutoring Unlimited offers instruction on organization and study skills for students of all ages. If you would like more information or need assistance in evaluating your child’s progress, contact us for a free consultation.