When it’s time to get ready to go back to school, it helps to get organized. If you go into the school year with a sense of clarity, your children will start the school year off with an advantage. The whole learning process can go smoothly with some basic organizational skills for school.
Try these nine tips to properly prepare and organize the beginning of your school year:
1. Use folders and binders. It helps have a way to keep all of your school paperwork sorted for easy access. Sometimes, your child’s teacher will require a specific set folders or binders, so check to see if the school or teacher has provided a list of specific supplies before you go shopping.
2. Have a place for everything. Decide on a set spot for all of your school things. Designate specific slots or pouches for everything from papers and notebooks to pencils and pens. If you know exactly where something is, you save time spent on looking for it later.
3. Make a to-do list. A to-do list is essential for staying on top of everything going on with school. If you try to keep everything you need to do in your head, you’re bound to forget something. A to-do list right in front of you will help you see exactly what should be done and when. It’s a great time saver.
4. Have your things ready the night before school. Gather your things before you go to sleep at night. This method will be a lifesaver for you if you’re not a morning person. In the morning, you can get out of bed and know that your bags are packed and ready to go.
* To save even more time in the mornings, lay out each child’s clothes the night before. Trying to figure out what to wear in the midst of the morning rush sets you up for a stressful day. However, a little advance planning can help you feel in control and set the stage for a productive day instead.
5. Plan your meals. If you’re busy, you might be tempted to skip a meal. To maintain your health and energy, ensure that you’re eating nutritiously. Plan enough time in advance for breakfast in the morning and pack a healthy lunch.
6. Have a place for homework. Have a set place and time to do homework. If they stay organized with a specific homework flow, the whole process can go quickly and the kids will be done before you know it.
7. Keep lines of communication open. In order to have an efficient and organized life, discuss important issues with your family members on a regular basis. Keep the lines of communication open and let your children know that you value their input and concerns.
8. Line up transportation. Decide on school transportation plans early. Will your kids take the bus, or do you need to take them to school? Plan for back up transportation whenever possible for the times that things don’t go according to plan.
9. Have the right attitude. Remember that a positive attitude can make things run smoothly. Your attitude can be the difference between success and failure in keeping things organized. Your attitude determines whether your household is one of peace or chaos. Choose peace!
Remember to enjoy the process of preparing for school. Try new things, and keep the goal in mind. A little advance planning can go a long way towards relieving much of the stress that the beginning of school brings.
