Tips for Getting Organized
In general, student life can get chaotic and messy. At school, teachers help with organization and time management within each classroom. However, practicing organizational skills at home helps build positive routines and good habits. Being disorganized makes school even more difficult. When a student is disorganized, they can feel overwhelmed, helpless, and even defeated. Organizational skills help alleviate stress, help with time management, and build confidence through achievements.
Organizational tools can be utilized through cell phones and computers. Planner/Calendars help organize academics, social events, extra-curricular activities, as well as family responsibilities. Monthly planners/calendars help students and parents plan academic projects and tests in addition to supporting time management. Popular apps that can be downloaded to your student’s phone are: myHomework, Habit Hub, and/or Daily Routine.
For time management, using a timer to organize homework into manageable time increments per subject helps your child focus for intervals of time. Using an interval system allows you to build in breaks and reduces mental fatigue. Another quick and easy 
organizational strategy is to color code class materials. Color coding can visually support students by organizing classroom work by colors. Color coding helps eliminate missing work and prepares for future assignments. A clean and well organized work spaces at home reduce distractions and help develop an efficient environment to stay focused.
For additional information on how to organize your student’s classwork and homework time, please contact Jodi Vigil, Learning Support Teacher, or get ideas at Understood.org as well as Pinterest.com. When incorporating organizational strategies, start in increments because building new habits takes time.
